Calls it Diwali gift; warns of rising cyber, drone threats
SUKNA/BAGDOGRA, NOVEMBER 7: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday described the Cabinet-approved ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers as a significant Diwali gift, saying it would provide them another opportunity to serve the nation and join the regular armed forces, subject to prescribed selection criteria.
Interacting with Indian Air Force personnel at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali, Singh said all Agniveers would get an opportunity to be enrolled as regular soldiers after completion of the two-year engagement period, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of the selection criteria.
He said the decision reflected the Government’s commitment to the welfare of defence personnel and their families.
During his visits to Bagdogra and Sukna, Singh also called for the highest level of operational readiness, warning that modern warfare was no longer confined to conventional battles along borders but increasingly involved hybrid warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone incursions and information operations.
He stressed the need for greater domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity, saying adversaries were exploiting social media to spread misleading narratives and create doubts among local populations and soldiers.
At Sukna, Singh reviewed the operational preparedness of the Trishakti Corps and was briefed on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), deployment of advanced military equipment and the adoption of emerging technologies to strengthen operational capabilities.
He expressed satisfaction with the Corps’ preparedness and appreciated its contribution to nation-building through infrastructure development and community welfare initiatives in border areas.
Describing Sukna and its adjoining region as a critical logistics hub for supplies, weapons, food, medical provisions and personnel moving to forward locations, Singh said the area was a vital link in the security architecture of eastern India and required round-the-clock operational readiness.
He said the Government was strengthening supply chains to ensure essential supplies for troops deployed at forward locations. He also referred to increased budgetary allocations for roads, tunnels, border infrastructure and modern military equipment, saying the country was progressing towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
At Bagdogra, the Defence Minister described the air station as a strategically important link in India’s security framework, particularly for the Northeast, and said Air Warriors deployed there served as a robust shield for the eastern sector.
He urged personnel to strengthen engagement with local communities, saying trust between civilians and the armed forces was important in countering adversarial activities.
Singh highlighted the growing contribution of Indian start-ups and industries in developing drones, anti-drone systems and other advanced military equipment. He said the armed forces were embracing emerging technologies, including drone operations and cyber security, to meet future challenges.
The Defence Minister also stressed the importance of troop morale and mental well-being, urging officers to spend time with soldiers and encouraging personnel to communicate openly and seek support to deal with stress arising from demanding operational duties and separation from families.
Describing the Northeast as India’s “first edge” rather than its “last edge”, Singh highlighted the region’s strategic importance, biodiversity and cultural diversity.
He extended Diwali greetings to Army and Air Force personnel and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices of those serving away from their homes during festivals.
Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command Lieutenant General VMB Krishnan and General Officer Commanding 33 Corps Lieutenant General Man Raj Singh Mann were present during the Sukna visit.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Bagdogra Air Commodore Manish Sharma and other senior IAF officials attended the interaction at Bagdogra.
