NEW DELHI, Nov 7: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon the armed forces to maintain the highest level of operational preparedness to effectively deal with emerging threats to national security.
Addressing Air Force personnel at Bagdogra Air Force Station, a strategically important military installation near India’s eastern frontier with China, Singh said the country’s security environment was becoming increasingly complex and required constant vigilance.
Without naming any country, the Defence Minister warned that adversaries were increasingly avoiding direct military confrontation and attempting to exploit vulnerabilities through misinformation and psychological operations.
He cautioned that social media was being used to spread misleading information and create doubts among local communities and military personnel.
“In such a scenario, your role extends beyond that of an ordinary soldier,” Singh said.
According to the Defence Ministry, he stressed the need to strengthen domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to counter evolving security challenges.
Singh observed that modern warfare was no longer restricted to conventional border confrontations but had expanded to include asymmetric warfare, proxy conflicts, cyberattacks, drone swarms, information operations and narrative management.
Describing Bagdogra as a strategically significant location and an important component of India’s security framework, particularly for the northeastern region, he praised the courage and dedication of military personnel deployed there.
He said Air Force personnel stationed in the region serve as a strong shield for India’s eastern sector and their operational preparedness is essential for maintaining regional stability.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the importance of discipline, courage and restraint, saying that the conduct of military personnel plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of the armed forces.
He encouraged personnel to strengthen their interaction with local communities, particularly in and around Bagdogra, and maintain the bond of trust between civilians and the military.
“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’, Singh highlighted the growing role of Indian startups and domestic industries in developing advanced defence technologies, including drones, anti-drone systems and modern military equipment.
He appreciated the armed forces for adopting indigenous technologies and developing specialised skills in drone operations and cybersecurity.
Singh further emphasised that making the military increasingly technology-driven was essential to addressing future security challenges.
On the occasion, the Defence Minister extended Diwali greetings to Air Force personnel and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices made by soldiers who remain away from their homes during festivals while protecting the country.
He also expressed gratitude to their families for their support and sacrifices, assuring them that the nation remains committed to their welfare.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding of Bagdogra Air Force Station Air Commodore Manish Sharma and other senior Indian Air Force officials were present during the occasion.
