From strategic Eastern airbase, Rajnath calls for highest military preparedness

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh poses for a group picture with Indian Air Force (IAF) senior officers and personnel on the eve of the Diwali festival at Air Force Station, Bagdogra, in Darjeeling on November 7, 2026.

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. 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.

"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. 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.

Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important region and a crucial link in India's security framework, particularly for the northeastern region, 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 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.

Lauding the soldiers for discharging their duties with these qualities, Mr. Singh urged them to strengthen their engagement with the local population, particularly in and around Bagdogra, and nurture the deep bond of trust and affection between the people and the defence forces.

"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.

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.

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.