Did PM Modi Arrive in Kolkata for a Key Defence Meeting?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi arrived in Kolkata after visiting the Northeast.
- He will attend the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference.
- The conference focuses on military reforms and operational readiness.
- Key leaders from military and government will participate.
- Traffic restrictions are implemented in Kolkata during the visit.
Kolkata, Sep 14 (NationPress) Following his trip to the Northeast region, Prime Minister Modi made his way to Kolkata on Sunday evening. He landed at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at 6:45 p.m., where he was greeted by Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER, Sukanta Majumdar.
The Prime Minister had spent the previous two days touring Northeast India, with his Sunday morning dedicated to Assam. He then arrived in Kolkata in the evening and will be staying at Raj Bhavan for the night.
On Monday morning, PM Modi will inaugurate a significant defence meet at Fort William, the headquarters of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command.
While this was an official trip, the excitement among BJP workers and supporters was unmistakable. They gathered outside the airport, celebrating the Prime Minister's arrival with drums. In response to their enthusiasm, PM Modi halted his convoy, stepped out of his vehicle, and waved to the crowd. From the airport, his convoy proceeded to Raj Bhavan in central Kolkata.
On Monday, he will launch and address the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference-2025 in Kolkata. This conference serves as the highest-level forum for discussion among the Armed Forces, where the nation's leading civilian and military leaders come together to share insights and set the foundation for India's military readiness.
Occurring biennially, the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference will run from September 15-17. The theme for this year's gathering is 'Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future'.
The discussions will revolve around reforms, transformation, and operational readiness, highlighting the Armed Forces' commitment to institutional reform, enhanced integration, and technological advancement, while ensuring readiness across multiple domains. The focus will be on fortifying the Armed Forces to remain nimble, decisive, and prepared for the future amidst a swiftly changing geopolitical landscape.
Attending the conference will be Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and senior officials from various Ministries, alongside officers from the three Services and the Integrated Defence Staff.
Both Rajnath Singh and Ajit Doval also arrived in the city on Sunday evening to participate in Monday's events.
PM Modi's schedule includes a visit to Vijay Durg in Fort William at 9:30 a.m. for the conference, which is expected to conclude by 1 p.m. He is set to depart for Kolkata Airport at 1:40 p.m. before heading to Bihar.
Due to PM Modi's visit, the Kolkata Traffic Police have implemented traffic restrictions in the city for Sunday and Monday.
As per the advisory, the movement of all types of goods vehicles will be restricted on major roads within the jurisdiction of Kolkata Police from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday and again from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, in addition to the usual restrictions on those days.
These roads include VIP Road, Ultadanga New Flyover, EM Bypass, Maa Flyover, AJC Bose Flyover, AJC Bose Road, Hospital Road, Lovers Lane, Khidderpore Road, J&N Island, Red Road, RR Avenue, and Raj Bhavan South Gate.