Modi meets top military officers at Combined Commanders' Conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met top military officers at the defence ministry War Room here Friday at a time when tension continues along the border with both China and Pakistan.

The Combined Commanders' Conference is the first meeting of the prime minister with all top commanders, including the three service chiefs.

The three service chiefs are expected to give elaborate presentations to the prime minister on the security scenario.

The Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, as the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, will make the first presentation, followed by the Indian Navy chief, Admiral R.K. Dhowan and the Indian Army chief, General Dalbir Singh.

The prime minister and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley will address the conference.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Defence Secretary R.K. Mathur, among others, are also attending the conference.

Top sources in the defence ministry said the recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and transgressions by China in the northeast will be in the focus during the conference.

Other issues like prepardeness of the forces and threat perceptions will also be discussed.

The recent Al Qaeda announcement of a new wing in India and the possible threat from ISIS as well as terrorism in the country are also expected to be discussed.

The Combined Commanders' Conference is a annual event where the three service chiefs present the major achievements of the year gone by and the key issues and challenges in the year ahead. Important strategic, operational, logistical and administrative aspects pertaining to the forces are deliberated upon.

--Indo-Asian ANews Service

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