The inaugural Joint Commanders’ Conference (JCC) commenced in Lucknow on September 4, 2024, under the theme “Sashakt and Surakshit Bharat: Transforming Armed Forces.” Led by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the conference focuses on enhancing jointness, operational preparedness, and modernization. The event sets a crucial platform for India’s military leadership to strategize future force integration and modernization plans. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh is scheduled to attend for further deliberations.
In a defining moment for India’s military leadership, the maiden Joint Commanders’ Conference (JCC) commenced in Lucknow on September 4, 2024. Under the theme “Sashakt and Surakshit Bharat: Transforming Armed Forces,” this conference is set to shape the future of India’s defense capabilities by enhancing jointness, operational preparedness, and modernization across the tri-services. Spearheaded by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, alongside the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the event underscores India’s commitment to a more integrated and modernized military structure, essential for adapting to the changing dynamics of global warfare.
The India’s Joint Commanders’ Conference (JCC) marks a landmark event in the ongoing evolution of the Indian Armed Forces. Hosted in Lucknow on September 4, 2024, the conference operates under the banner “Sashakt and Surakshit Bharat: Transforming Armed Forces,” with the goal of advancing jointness, improving operational preparedness, and driving military modernization. The conference brings together senior military leaders, including Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
General Chauhan leads the conference, joined by General Upendra Dwivedi (Chief of the Army Staff), Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi (Chief of the Naval Staff), and Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Choudhari (Chief of the Air Staff). Together, they represent the top leadership responsible for guiding India’s defense strategy. The Joint Commanders’ Conference provides a pivotal platform for collaboration and discussion, aimed at creating a cohesive military environment, crucial for future joint operations and strategic missions.
General Anil Chauhan kicked off the proceedings with an extensive review of India’s security landscape. He highlighted the ongoing and future security challenges facing the nation and emphasized the need for an integrated approach among the three Services. He pointed out that while some steps towards integration have already been taken, more needs to be done to foster a ‘Joint Culture’ within the armed forces. This is a key step toward achieving full integration for joint operations in the future, where all branches of the military function as a unified force.
A major focus of the discussions was the establishment of modern command and control centers, equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure to ensure better decision-making and situational awareness. General Chauhan stressed the importance of these centers in facilitating the seamless integration of the Services and ensuring operational efficiency. He also addressed the evolving nature of warfare, which increasingly requires effect-based operations—a strategy that necessitates collaboration across land, sea, air, and cyber domains.
Modernization of the armed forces was another significant topic of discussion. General Chauhan underscored the need to maintain strategic autonomy and readiness in an increasingly unpredictable global environment. As technology rapidly evolves, India’s military must remain ahead of the curve through continuous upgrades in weaponry, intelligence, and operational capabilities.
The conference will continue with Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh set to attend on the second day. His participation will involve detailed discussions with senior defense officials, where additional insights on the future trajectory of India’s defense modernization are expected. Singh’s role is critical in shaping the policy framework that supports the modernization drive, ensuring that the Indian military remains resilient and future-ready.
The conference not only reflects India’s focus on strengthening its defense forces but also its commitment to fostering greater integration within the military branches. Jointness has become increasingly vital in modern warfare, where seamless cooperation between the Army, Navy, and Air Force can be the deciding factor in conflict scenarios. The Joint Commanders’ Conference sets the stage for an integrated approach to defense that will ensure India remains both sashakt (strong) and surakshit (secure) in the years to come.
