Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Indian Air Force (IAF) senior officers and personnel on the eve of Deepavali at the Air Force Station, Bagdogra, in Darjeeling on November 7, 2026.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited members of the armed forces at multiple locations in West Bengal on Saturday (November 7, 2026) and highlighted a changing nature of warfare while describing the northeast as India’s “first edge” rather than its “last edge”.
The security landscape around the country has become increasingly complex and the armed forces must maintain the highest level of operational readiness to effectively counter any threats to national security, he told personnel at the Bagdogra Air Force station. Delivering his message on the eve of Deepavali from the key airbase near the frontier with China in the Eastern sector, Mr. Singh, without naming any country, said the adversary now avoids direct confrontation but seeks to exploit certain “vulnerabilities”.
He called upon the armed forces to keep special focus on strengthening domain awareness, cyber resilience, and information integrity to effectively counter emerging security threats, according to the Defence Ministry. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Bagdogra Air Commodore Manish Sharma, and other senior officials of the IAF were present on the occasion.
Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important region and a crucial link in India’s security framework, Mr. Singh commended the courage and dedication of the defence personnel towards safeguarding national interests. He stated that the Air Force personnel deployed in the region serve as a robust shield for the security of the eastern sector, and their preparedness is fundamental to maintaining stability in the region.
The Defence Minister later reviewed the operational preparedness of the Army’s Trishakti Corps at Sukna, with a focus on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), deployment of advanced military equipment, and adoption of emerging technologies to enhance combat effectiveness.
Mr. Singh expressed satisfaction with the operational preparedness of the corps and appreciated its contribution to infrastructure development and community welfare initiatives in border areas aimed at strengthening ties with local communities.
Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Eastern Army Commander Lt. Gen. VMB Krishnan and Trishakti Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Man Raj Singh Mann were present during the review.
Addressing personnel during a ‘barakhana’ on the eve of Deepawali, Mr. Singh commended their courage, professionalism, and dedication in safeguarding the country’s frontiers under challenging operational conditions.
Highlighting the changing nature of warfare, he said security challenges were no longer confined to conventional exchanges of gunfire and artillery but increasingly involved hybrid warfare, proxy wars, cyberattacks, drone incursions, and information warfare.
He cautioned that adversaries were using social media to spread rumours, deploying drones to monitor sensitive locations, and attempting to compromise military systems through cyberattacks. He exhorted personnel to remain vigilant and prepared to tackle emerging threats across all domains.
Describing Sukna as a critical logistics hub for eastern India, Mr. Singh said its geographical sensitivity necessitated round-the-clock operational readiness. He highlighted its importance in the movement of supplies, weapons, food, medical provisions, and personnel to forward locations.
The Defence Minister said budgetary allocations for roads, tunnels, border infrastructure, and modern equipment had been increased as the country progressed towards self-reliance in defence production.
He noted that Indian start-ups and industries were manufacturing drones and anti-drone systems, while the armed forces were increasingly embracing emerging technologies and training in drone operations and cybersecurity.
Mr. Singh also stressed the importance of soldiers’ mental health and emotional well-being, urging them to communicate openly with their colleagues and seek support to deal with stress arising from demanding duties and separation from families.
Mr. Singh expressed gratitude to the families of the personnel for their sacrifices and contributions, and emphasised that while the soldiers remain committed to safeguarding the borders, the nation will always stand by their families and ensure their well-being.
Published – November 07, 2026 08:38 pm IST
