The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, on Saturday called on the armed forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, with a focus on domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to counter emerging threats.
Singh was speaking to Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali. He said the security landscape had become more complex, with warfare extending beyond conventional fighting along the borders to include asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyberattacks, drone swarms, information operations and narrative management.
“Often, the adversary avoids direct confrontation and instead seeks to exploit our vulnerabilities,” Singh said. He said an adversary could use social media to sow doubt among the local population and soldiers by spreading misleading information. “In such a scenario, your role extends beyond that of an ordinary soldier,” he said.
Singh described Bagdogra as a strategically important location and a crucial link in India’s security framework, particularly for the North-East. He said IAF personnel deployed there served as a shield for the security of the eastern sector, and that their preparedness was fundamental to stability in the region.
He said discipline and courage remained essential regardless of technological advances, and that the conduct, language and restraint of service personnel shaped the military’s image among local communities. He urged them to engage more with people in and around Bagdogra. “The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversary’s conspiracies will become,” he said.
Singh also reaffirmed the government’s goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). He pointed to the growing role of Indian startups and industry in developing drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment, and said the forces had embraced indigenous technologies and acquired new skills in drone operations and cyber security.
‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers
Singh referred to the Union Cabinet’s approval of a Second Tour of Duty for Agniveers, the soldiers, sailors and airmen recruited under the Agnipath scheme for an initial four years. He said the decision gave them another opportunity to serve. After the two-year engagement, all Agniveers would have a chance to be enrolled as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and selection criteria, he said. He called it a significant Diwali gift for them.
The Cabinet approved the two-year extension on Wednesday, news reports said. The opposition has criticized the move, citing concerns over long-term job security, according to one report.
Singh extended his Diwali greetings to the personnel and their families. He said the personnel remained steadfast in ensuring the security of their fellow citizens despite missing their families during the festival, and thanked the families for their sacrifices. He said the nation would always stand by them.
The chief of air staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, and the air officer commanding at Air Force Station Bagdogra, Air Commodore Manish Sharma, were among those present.