The security landscape around the country has become increasingly complex, and India’s armed forces must maintain the highest level of operational readiness to effectively counter any threats to national security, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday (November 7, 2026) told personnel at the Bagdogra Air Force station in West Bengal.
Delivering his message on the eve of Deepavali from the key airbase near the frontier with China in the Eastern sector, Mr. “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,” Mr. The Defence Minister underscored that discipline and courage remain indispensable, irrespective of technological advancements, stating that the conduct and restraint of the defence personnel shape the image of the military among local communities.
Singh, without naming any country, said the adversary now avoids direct confrontation but seeks to exploit certain “vulnerabilities”. He called upon the military to keep special focus on strengthening domain awareness, cyber resilience, and information integrity to effectively counter emerging security threats, according to the Defence Ministry. Singh said. “In such a scenario, your role extends beyond that of an ordinary soldier,” he added. The Defence Minister emphasised that the security landscape has become “increasingly complex”, with warfare extending beyond conventional engagements along the borders to encompass asymmetric operations, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone swarms, information operations, and narrative management. “The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversary’s conspiracies will become,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve to achieve ‘ Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Mr. Singh highlighted the growing contribution of Indian start-ups and industries in developing drones, anti- drone systems, and advanced military equipment. He appreciated the defence forces for embracing indigenous technologies and acquiring new skills in drone operations and cyber security and underlined the importance of making the military increasingly technology-driven to effectively address future security challenges. He also extended Diwali greetings and wished the troops and their families happiness and prosperity.
The personnel, despite missing their families during the festival, remain steadfast in ensuring the security of their fellow citizens, he said. Earlier reporting noted: Addressing air warriors at the Bagdogra Air Force station, Singh, without naming any country, said the adversary avoids direct confrontation but seeks to exploit certain “vulnerabilities”, emphasising that the security landscape has become increasingly complex. 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.
Earlier reporting noted: “Often, the adversary avoids direct confrontation and instead seeks to exploit our vulnerabilities. Earlier reporting noted: From strategic Eastern airbase, Rajnath calls for highest military preparedness New Delhi, India’s armed forces must maintain the highest level of operational readiness to effectively counter any threats to national security, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday, delivering his message from a key airbase near the frontier with China in the Eastern sector.
