West Bengal: 8/11/26: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged the armed forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, stressing the need to strengthen domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity amid evolving security challenges.
Addressing Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali, Mr Singh said, modern warfare has expanded beyond conventional border conflicts to include asymmetric warfare, proxy conflicts, cyberattacks, drone swarms and information operations. He cautioned that adversaries were increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities through misleading social media campaigns aimed at creating distrust among local communities and security personnel. The Defence Minister emphasised that military personnel must play a wider role in countering such threats by maintaining public trust and engaging with local communities.
Referring to the Cabinet’s approval of the ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers, the Defence Minister said the initiative would offer them another opportunity to serve the nation. He said all Agniveers would be eligible for enrolment as regular soldiers after completing their two-year engagement, subject to their willingness and prescribed selection criteria.
Calling the decision a significant Diwali gift, the Defence Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of defence personnel and their families.
He also extended Diwali greetings to the Air Warriors and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices of personnel serving away from home during festivals and appreciating the support extended by their families. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Bagdogra Air Commodore Manish Sharma and other senior IAF officials attended the event.
Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important location for India’s security framework, particularly in the Northeast, Singh praised the Air Warriors for their dedication and said their preparedness was vital to regional stability.
Highlighting the government’s push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Mr Singh acknowledged the contribution of Indian start-ups and industries to the development of drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment. He urged the forces to embrace indigenous technologies and strengthen their capabilities in drone operations and cybersecurity.