Operation Sindoor spurs historic move: India to launch first-ever joint military stations for future wars

In his address, the Prime Minister urged the Services to accelerate jointness, embrace Aatmanirbharta, and embed innovation across combat doctrines

India is taking firm steps towards setting up a fully integrated joint war room, with the Armed Forces using the Combined Commanders' Conference (CCC) 2025 in Kolkata to push for deeper coordination in future conflicts. The drive comes in the wake of the successful Operation Sindoor and a wider recognition that new-age warfare demands tighter synergy among the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Held from September 15 to 17, the three-day apex-level forum brought together top brass from the Ministry of Defence, the three Services, and other key agencies to review reforms, assess preparedness and set a roadmap for emerging security challenges. This year's theme - "Year of Reforms: Transforming for the Future" - reflected a sharper focus on building joint capabilities and strengthening national security architecture.

According to The Indian Express, the exact sites for the proposed three joint military stations have not yet been finalised.

However, sources cited by the newspaper said that cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Gwalior, Pune and Secunderabad are among those being considered. Each station is expected to function under the leadership of one of the three armed services - for example, discussions have been held on designating Mumbai as a joint station with the Navy as the lead service.

The report also noted that the government has approved the merger of the education branches of the Army, Navy and Air Force into a single tri-services Education Corps.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the deliberations, commending the Armed Forces for their commitment to protecting the country. They called for sustained reforms, greater indigenous innovation, and a technology-driven approach to strengthen operational readiness.

The conference opened with a live demonstration by the Joint Operations Command Centre, followed by an air defence exercise showcasing advanced surveillance, missile interception and counter-drone capabilities. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan presented a detailed review of reforms over the past two years, outlining progress on integration, procurement and capability enhancement.

In his address, the Prime Minister urged the Services to accelerate jointness, embrace Aatmanirbharta, and embed innovation across combat doctrines. The Defence Minister chaired a key session evaluating force readiness, capability development, and the implications of ongoing geopolitical turbulence on India's security posture.

On Day 2, discussions turned to information warfare and the release of the Joint Military Space Doctrine, a milestone that formally recognised space as an integral domain of national security. Sessions also debated procurement bottlenecks, delegation of financial powers, and the future course of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, reinforcing that troop welfare remains a central priority.

Rajnath Singh urged commanders to look beyond conventional conflict and prepare for unconventional threats, including cyber, ecological, biological, and ideological warfare. He stressed the importance of constantly analysing global shifts and their impact on India's security matrix.

The final day examined next-generation threats and opportunities, with the CDS briefing participants on the "Year of Reforms" action plan aligned with leadership directives. Panels emphasised the need to enhance interoperability, streamline decision-making, and strengthen institutional structures in space, cyber, information, and special operations. A technology-first mindset, integrated into operational doctrine, was identified as vital for modern warfare.

Wrapping up the conclave, General Chauhan summarised key takeaways, reiterating that transformation is an ongoing process. He underlined the Armed Forces' commitment to remain agile, self-reliant and future-ready, positioning India's military to meet the demands of a complex and fast-changing security environment.