Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kolkata on Sunday evening for a two-day visit during which he will inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference. This is the Prime Minister’s second visit to West Bengal, where assembly elections are expected early next year.

Upon arrival at the airport, he proceeded directly to Raj Bhavan, where he will stay overnight. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also reached the city to attend the conference, which is set to begin on Monday. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh will also be present.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the conference at the Eastern Command headquarters of the Indian Army at Vijay Durg, the historic site formerly known as Fort William.

The Combined Commanders’ Conference is the apex forum for strategic dialogue between India’s top civil and military leadership. It provides an opportunity to exchange views at conceptual and strategic levels to strengthen national defence preparedness.