PM Modi’s Visit to Kolkata and Bihar: Strategic Defence and Developmental Initiatives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant visit to Kolkata and Bihar on September 15, 2025, focusing on enhancing India’s defence capabilities and promoting regional development. The visit included the inauguration of the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata and the launch of several key infrastructure and agricultural projects in Bihar.

Inauguration of the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference

The Prime Minister commenced his visit by inaugurating the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference at the Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata. This biennial event, scheduled from September 15 to 17, serves as a platform for India’s top civilian and military leadership to deliberate on national security and strategic planning. The theme for this year’s conference, “Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future,” underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence preparedness and advancing a self-reliant military framework.

Strategic Defence Discussions

The conference brought together key figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Discussions focused on institutional reforms in the armed forces, integration, technological advancement, and the adoption of indigenous technologies. The conference also addressed regional geopolitical tensions, particularly in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, emphasizing the need for enhanced military readiness.

Developmental Initiatives in Bihar

Following the defence conference, Prime Minister Modi traveled to Purnea, Bihar, to inaugurate and lay the foundation for several major projects aimed at boosting the state’s infrastructure and agricultural sectors.

• Purnea Airport Expansion: The inauguration of the new Interim Terminal Building at Purnea Airport is expected to enhance air travel capacity for the region, supporting economic growth and improving connectivity.
• National Makhana Board Launch: The establishment of the National Makhana Board aims to drive production, technology adoption, and global branding of makhana, a crop for which Bihar provides about 90 percent of India’s output.
• Thermal Power Project: The foundation stone was laid for a 3×800 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur. This Rs 25,000 crore … is set to strengthen Bihar’s energy security.
• Kosi-Mechi River Link Project: Phase 1 of the K … valued at over Rs 2,680 … was initiated to expand irrigation, control floods, and boost agricultural resilience in northeastern … .
• Rail Connectivity Enhancements: The Prime Minister laid the foundation for the Bikram … and inaugurated the Araria–Galg … . Additionally, new Vande Bharat and Amrit … were flagged off to improve rail connectivity across the region.
• Dairy Sector Development: A state-of-the-art Sex-Sorted Semen Facility was inaugurated at Purnea under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission to raise dairy productivity.
• Housing and Community Investment: The Prime Minister distributed keys to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and handed over Community Investment Funds of about Rs 500 crore to Cluster Level Federations under the DAY-NRLM scheme.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kolkata and Bihar highlighted the government’s dual focus on strengthening national defence and promoting regional development. The initiatives launched are expected to enhance India’s military capabilities, improve infrastructure, and support the agricultural and rural sectors in Bihar. These efforts align with the broader vision of fostering a self-reliant and resilient India.