In a first, Tri-Services Combined Commanders’ Conference to take place onboard CV INS Vikramaditya

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Aircraft carrier, most likely INS Vikramaditya, to host armed forces meeting; idea mooted by PM Narendra Modi

IN's MiG-29K onboard INS Vikramaditya ​

In what appears to be adherence to a suggestion last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the tri-services Combined Commanders’ Conference of the armed forces top brass — that is usually attended by the Prime Minister, defence minister and other senior members of the cabinet — may take place for the first time at sea on board the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier off Kochi next month. There are indications that the conference could take place on or around October 10.

When Prime Minister Modi had addressed the Combined Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi in October, 2014, he had suggested during his address that the armed forces could organise such conferences on ships at sea, or in forward area cantonments or air-bases, instead of only in New Delhi. Not surprisingly therefore, the advice appears to have been taken seriously.

Sources said there was a strong likelihood of the conference being held on board the aircraft carrier, which was acquired a few years ago by India from the Russian Navy. But there could also be a possibility of organising the event on board any other Navy ship off Kochi in case of any last-minute change or contingency.

The Southern Naval Command is headquartered at Kochi in Kerala.

The Combined Commanders’ Conference, also referred to as the Unified Commanders’ Conference, is considered crucial as it is considered a meeting ground between the top brass of the three services and the political leadership of the country, during which issues of strategic significance and the road map ahead for the military is discussed threadbare.

Last year, Mr Modi had told top commanders of the armed forces that “full scale wars may become rare” in future but that “force will remain an instrument of deterrence and influencing behaviour,” also pointing out that “control of space may become as critical as that of land, air and sea.” The government had also decided then to focus on upgrading the technological capabilities of the armed forces in a big way, “instead of just a quantitative approach to security,” which essentially meant that the government wanted a “lean and mean hi-tech” armed forces.

Source:- Aircraft carrier, most likely INS Vikramaditya, to host armed forces meeting; idea mooted by PM Narendra Modi - The Economic Times

 

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INS Vikramaditya's Interiors -