Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the Armed Forces for the success of ‘Operation Sindoor' and urged the defence ministry to implement steps to achieve greater self-sufficiency and innovation to meet future challenges, an official said.

Inaugurating the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at the Eastern Command headquarters of the Army at Vijay Durg, the erstwhile Fort William, here, the PM reviewed the reforms implemented in the last two years, and the plan for the next two years. Modi also unveiled the ‘Indian Armed Forces Vision 2047’ document.

“Addressed the Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata. In line with this year’s theme ‘Year of Reforms – Transformation for the Future’, discussed the steps being taken to further self-reliance in the sector and encourage modernisation,” Modi said in a post on X. “Appreciated the role of the armed forces during Operation Sindoor and during natural disasters. Also emphasised focusing on innovation and technology in line with the fast-changing times,” he added.

The PM was briefed on the operational readiness of the forces in the context of the “new normal” created by Operation Sindoor, future of warfare amid emerging technology and tactics, an official statement said.

“The Prime Minister complimented the Armed Forces for the success of Operation Sindoor,” it said. Operation Sindoor was launched in May in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people. It was conceived as a punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan, showcasing a calibrated, tri-services response embodying precision, professionalism and purpose, the defence official said.

Addressing the conference, Modi also praised the integral role played by the Armed Forces in nation building, anti-piracy, safe return of Indian citizens from conflict zones, as well as providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) assistance to friendly countries. “In line with 2025 being the ‘year of reforms’ in defence, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Defence to swiftly implement concrete steps to achieve greater jointness, Atmanirbharta and innovation to meet future challenges and to prevail against any eventuality,” the statement said.

The conference is being attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, among others.