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Rajnath Singh Calls For Military Readiness At Bagdogra

Rajnath Singh Urges Armed Forces to Prepare for Cyber Attacks, Drone Warfare and Disinformation

At Bagdogra Air Force Station, Defence Minister stresses military readiness, indigenous defence technology and community trust; calls Agniveers’ two-year extension a Diwali gift.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has asked India’s armed forces to strengthen their preparedness against cyber attacks, drone warfare, proxy conflicts and misleading information, saying that modern security threats require military personnel to remain alert beyond conventional border operations.

Rajnath Singh Calls For Military Readiness At Bagdogra

Speaking to Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal on November 7, 2026, on the eve of Diwali, Singh stressed the need for domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity. He said the changing nature of warfare had made it necessary for the Defence Forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness.

The Defence Minister warned that hostile forces could use social media to spread false information and create distrust 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. In such a scenario, your role extends beyond that of an ordinary soldier,” said Raksha Mantri.

His comments reflect the growing importance of information security in military operations. False reports, manipulated images and misleading online messages can create confusion during security-related incidents. Cyber attacks can also target military communication networks and other digital systems. The armed forces therefore need trained personnel who can identify threats and protect sensitive information.

Drone warfare has added another challenge. Unmanned aircraft can be used for surveillance, intelligence gathering and attacks. The use of multiple drones in an operation can also put pressure on traditional air defence systems. This has increased the demand for equipment that can detect, track and disable hostile drones.

Rajnath Singh said that Bagdogra holds an important place in India’s defence arrangements because of its location in northern West Bengal, close to the Siliguri corridor. This narrow stretch of land connects mainland India with the North-Eastern states. The region is important for the movement of people, goods and military supplies. Air Force Station Bagdogra also supports civil aviation, making it an important air connection for the area.

Singh praised the Air Warriors stationed there for their work in protecting India’s eastern sector. He said their readiness was essential for maintaining security in the region.

Rajnath Singh also spoke about the conduct of military personnel and their relationship with local residents. He said discipline, courage and restraint must remain part of military life, even as technology changes the way armed forces operate. The behaviour, language and actions of soldiers influence how local communities view the military.

He asked the personnel to maintain regular contact with people living in and around Bagdogra.

“The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversary’s conspiracies will become,” he said.

Singh also referred to the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme and the growing role of Indian companies and start-ups in defence manufacturing. Indian industries are developing drones, anti-drone systems and other military equipment for use by the armed forces.

The Government has been encouraging domestic defence production to reduce dependence on imported equipment and increase the participation of Indian manufacturers. Singh appreciated the armed forces for adopting indigenous technology and learning new skills in drone operations and cyber security. He said the military must become increasingly technology-driven to deal with future security threats.

Rajnath Singh also mentioned that another major subject during the visit was the Union Cabinet’s approval of a second two-year engagement period for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. Singh described the decision as a significant Diwali gift for young people serving in the armed forces.

The Cabinet approved the proposal on November 4, 2026, following an assessment of the scheme’s performance over four years. Under the original Agnipath arrangement, introduced in June 2022, recruits serve for four years. After this period, up to 25 per cent of each batch can be selected for regular service based on merit.

Under the revised arrangement, the remaining 75 per cent will be offered another two-year engagement period, subject to their willingness. After completing these additional two years, they will have an opportunity to join the regular armed forces, provided they meet the prescribed selection criteria.

The Government has also approved higher remuneration, an improved Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits during the second engagement period.

The change gives Agniveers another opportunity to continue their military careers. It follows the armed forces’ assessment of their physical fitness, motivation, skills and ability to work with modern technology.

Singh also acknowledged the sacrifices made by IAF personnel who remain away from their families during festivals. He extended Diwali greetings to the Air Warriors and wished them and their families good health, happiness and prosperity.

He thanked their families for supporting personnel serving away from home and assured them that the country would stand by them and look after their welfare.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Bagdogra Air Commodore Manish Sharma and other senior IAF officials attended the meeting.