New Delhi, Nov 7: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon the armed forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, with particular focus on domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to effectively counter emerging security threats.
Interacting with Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali, he said the security environment had become increasingly complex, with warfare extending beyond conventional border engagements to include asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone swarms and information operations.
He cautioned that adversaries were increasingly avoiding direct confrontation and attempting to exploit vulnerabilities through misleading information and social media campaigns. “Through social media, the adversary may attempt to sow doubt in the minds of the local population and our soldiers by spreading misleading information. In such a scenario, your role extends beyond that of an ordinary soldier,” he said.
Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important location and a crucial link in India’s security framework, particularly for the North-Eastern region, Rajnath Singh praised the courage and dedication of the personnel deployed there. He said the Air Warriors stationed in the region served as a strong shield for the security of the eastern sector and that their preparedness was essential for maintaining regional stability.
The Defence Minister also stressed that discipline and courage remained indispensable despite rapid technological advancements. He said the conduct, language and restraint of armed forces personnel shaped the military’s image among local communities. Urging the personnel to strengthen their engagement with people in and around Bagdogra, he said building public trust was equally important for national security. “The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversary’s conspiracies will become,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing contribution of Indian start-ups and industries to the development of drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment.
He appreciated the armed forces for adopting indigenous technologies and acquiring new skills in drone operations and cyber security, emphasising that the military must become increasingly technology-driven to meet future challenges.
Referring to the Cabinet’s approval of the ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers, the Defence Minister said the decision would provide them another opportunity to serve the country. He said that after completing the two-year engagement period, all Agniveers would have an opportunity to be enrolled as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of selection criteria. He described the decision as a significant Diwali gift for Agniveers.
Rajnath Singh also extended Diwali greetings to the Air Warriors and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices made by personnel who remain away from their homes during festivals to protect the country. He expressed gratitude to their families for their contribution and assured them that the nation would always stand by them and look after their welfare. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Bagdogra, Air Commodore Manish Sharma, and other senior IAF officials were present on the occasion.
