New Delhi: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday addressed the apex leadership of the Indian Armed Forces at the Joint Commanders' Conference (JCC) 2024 in Lucknow, praising their crucial role in safeguarding national interests and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Held at Headquarters, Central Command in Lucknow from September 4-5, the conference, themed "Sashakt aur Surakshit Bharat: Transforming the Armed Forces," brought together top military officials including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Choudhari. The conference provided a platform for reviewing the current security situation and the defence preparedness of the Armed Forces. General Chauhan highlighted the importance of Jointness and future plans for enhancing integration across various domains to adapt to future warfare and conduct effective operations. He complimented the three Services for their efforts in promoting Cross Service Co-operation, which aims to build a 'Joint Culture' and eventually achieve force integration for joint operations. Discussions also focused on establishing command and control centres with the necessary infrastructure to support decision-making processes. General Chauhan emphasized the need for operational preparedness to address emerging challenges, stressing the importance of modernisation to maintain readiness and achieve strategic autonomy. The conference offered an opportunity for the commanders to review modernisation plans and explore ways to enhance the nation’s defence capabilities through greater synergy among the three services. Karnataka Withdraws 'Best Principal' Award for B G Ramakrishna Amid Hijab Controversy Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Arvind Kejriwal's Bail Plea and Arrest Challenge Omar Abdullah Files Second Nomination for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls