File pic: Narendra Modi

The three military chiefs will make presentations before Narendra Modi next week, after he is sworn in as the new Prime Minister.The chiefs will each make a 25-minute presentation to Mr Modi and his Defence Minister on a detailed roadmap for the armed forces.Sources say the forces have been asked to categorise their needs as "urgent" or "necessary".Army Chief General Bikram Singh has deferred his visit to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan for the briefing.He is likely to brief Mr Modi on the need to buy artillery guns, attack helicopters and basic weapons like infantry assault rifles.The Air Force is expected to discuss the prolonged negotiations with French Aviation major Dassault Aviation to buy 126 combat jets. Officials say the 15 billion dollar deal needs to be finalized as soon as the new government clears it.The Air Force, which has an authorized strength of 39.5 squadrons, is down to about 33 squadrons as there were no new acquisitions after old aircraft were phased out.The Indian Navy, too, is short of conventional submarines; its fleet of diesel-powered submarines is down to a single digit and submarines in production in Indian shipyards are at least four years behind schedule.Sources say the chiefs are likely to take up the state of the Indian Infantry.Well-known gun brands like Colt and Beretta are among five or six companies competing for the big tender of 60,000 assault rifles at an estimated cost of Rs. 5,000 crore. The army also wants to replace light machine guns.The three service chiefs will also flag the security situation in the Indian sub-continent and brief Mr Modi about the situation along the Line of Control and the progress of infrastructure development along the China frontier.

Mr Modi will also meet top bureaucrats of all ministries. Cabinet Secretary AK Seth has asked all departments to prepare power point presentations on their needs and achievements.