Rajnath Singh calls for highest military readiness, warns of adversaries exploiting vulnerabilities

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon the armed forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, warning that adversaries were increasingly seeking to exploit vulnerabilities through misinformation, cyber-attacks and other unconventional means rather than engaging in direct confrontation.

Addressing Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali, Singh said India's security environment had become increasingly complex, requiring the military to strengthen its capabilities beyond conventional warfare. The strategically important airbase is located in the eastern sector, close to India's frontier with China.

Without naming any country, the defence minister cautioned that adversaries could use social media platforms to spread misleading information and create doubts among soldiers and local communities.

"Often, the adversary avoids direct confrontation and instead seeks to exploit our vulnerabilities. Through social media, the adversary may attempt to sow doubt in the minds of the local population and our soldiers by spreading misleading information," he said.

"In such a scenario, your role extends beyond that of an ordinary soldier," he added.

Cyber resilience and emerging warfare threats

Singh stressed that military preparedness must extend to strengthening domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to effectively counter emerging threats.

He pointed out that modern warfare was no longer restricted to conventional engagements along international borders but had expanded to include asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone swarms, information operations and narrative management.

The defence minister emphasised the importance of making the armed forces increasingly technology-driven to address these evolving security challenges. He also appreciated the military personnel for embracing indigenous technologies and acquiring new skills in drone operations and cyber security.

Bagdogra's strategic importance and engagement with locals

Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important region and a crucial component of India's security framework, particularly for the North-Eastern region, Singh commended the courage and dedication of the defence personnel deployed there.

He said the air warriors stationed at the airbase served as a robust shield for the security of the eastern sector, adding that their operational preparedness was fundamental to maintaining regional stability.

The defence minister also underlined that technological advancements could not replace the importance of discipline and courage in the armed forces. He said the conduct and restraint displayed by military personnel played a significant role in shaping the image of the armed forces among local communities.

Lauding the personnel for upholding these values while discharging their duties, Singh urged them to strengthen their engagement with residents in and around Bagdogra and nurture the bond of trust and affection between the local population and the defence forces.

"The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversary's conspiracies will become," he said.

Push for indigenous defence technologies

Reaffirming the government's commitment to achieving 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', Singh highlighted the growing contribution of Indian start-ups and industries towards developing drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment.

He appreciated the armed forces for adopting indigenous technologies and developing specialised skills to operate modern military equipment, particularly drones, while strengthening their cyber security capabilities.

The defence minister said technological advancement would remain essential to preparing the military for future security challenges.

Rajnath Singh extends Diwali greetings to personnel and families

During his interaction with the air warriors, Singh also extended Diwali greetings and wished them and their families happiness, prosperity and good health.

He acknowledged that military personnel often had to remain away from their families during festivals while continuing to discharge their responsibilities towards protecting the country.

Expressing gratitude to their families for their sacrifices and contributions, he said the nation would always stand by them and ensure their well-being while the soldiers remained committed to safeguarding India's borders.

Singh also referred to the Union Cabinet's approval of the 'Second Tour of Duty' for Agniveers, describing the decision as a significant Diwali gift that would provide them with another opportunity to serve the nation. He said Agniveers would have an opportunity to be enrolled as regular soldiers after completing the two-year engagement period, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of the prescribed selection criteria.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding at Air Force Station Bagdogra Air Commodore Manish Sharma and other senior Indian Air Force officials were present during the interaction.