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PM Modi returns to Kolkata for second time in a month, to inaugurate key defence meet at Fort William

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit is part of a whirlwind tour across five states—Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.

The prime minister will arrive in Kolkata on Sunday evening from Assam and will be staying at Raj Bhavan for a night. (File Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kolkata on September 14 and 15, marking his second trip to the city in less than a month. The visit, just over a year out from the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, will be for the inauguration of the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference-2025 at Fort William, the headquarters of the Army’s Eastern Command.

The prime minister will arrive in Kolkata on Sunday evening from Assam and will be staying at Raj Bhavan for a night. On Monday, he will inaugurate the three-day conference at 9.30 am before departing for Purnea, Bihar, in the afternoon. The conference, which will be held from September 15 to 17, will also be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and several other dignitaries.

The visit is part of a whirlwind tour across five states—Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar—where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for projects worth Rs 71,850 crore.

The Combined Commanders’ Conference is a biennial, apex-level forum that brings together the nation’s top civilian and military leadership to discuss and strategise on India’s defense preparedness.

This year’s conference is themed ‘Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future’. The discussions are expected to focus on a range of crucial topics, including the progress of higher defence reforms, the creation of integrated theatre commands, and the adoption of indigenously developed technology. A key point of deliberation is expected to be the lessons learned from Operation Sindoor, the tri-service military strikes launched by India on terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in early May. Defence analysts believe that this operation served as a “reality check” on capability gaps, which will now be addressed at the highest levels.

During his visit to the Northeast, Modi flagged off three express trains that are expected to significantly improve connectivity for Mizoram. The Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express will directly connect Mizoram’s capital with Delhi. Additionally, the Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express will provide direct rail links to Assam and West Bengal, respectively. These new routes are expected to strengthen educational, cultural, and economic ties, boost tourism, and generate employment in the region.

In Kolkata, the prime minister will also inaugurate multiple development projects, including a new Manipur Bhawan. In light of Modi’s visit, Kolkata Police have announced traffic and parking restrictions for goods vehicles on several major roads on Sunday and Monday. The restrictions will be enforced between 3.30 pm and 8 pm on Sunday, and 7.30 am and 4 pm on Monday, in various parts of the city.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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