- Bagdogra Air Warriors hailed as a robust shield safeguarding India’s strategically vital eastern sector
- Defence Minister calls for highest operational readiness amid expanding threats from drone swarms, cyber-attacks and proxy warfare
- ‘The adversary may seek to exploit our vulnerabilities through misleading information’, he cautions
- Local community engagement and information integrity vital to counter hostile narratives and strengthen public trust
- Indigenous drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment to power a technology-driven Defence Force
- ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers termed a significant Diwali gift, opening another opportunity for service in the Armed Forces
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, NOV 7
As India’s security challenges move beyond conventional battlefields into the increasingly contested domains of cyberspace, drone warfare and information operations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has delivered a powerful Diwali message to the country’s Air Warriors: remain battle-ready, technologically equipped and resolute in safeguarding national security. Celebrating the festival with Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Air Force Station, Bagdogra, West Bengal, on November 7, 2026, he called for the highest level of operational preparedness, with particular emphasis on domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to counter emerging threats.
Addressing the personnel on the eve of Diwali, Rajnath Singh observed that the security environment had become increasingly complex, with warfare extending beyond conventional engagements along the borders to asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone swarms, information operations and narrative management.
“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,” he said.
Bagdogra: A strategic shield for the Eastern Sector
Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important region and a crucial link in India’s security framework, particularly for the North-Eastern region, the Defence Minister commended the courage, commitment and dedication of the personnel deployed there.
He underlined that the Air Warriors stationed in the region serve as a robust shield for the security of the eastern sector and that their operational preparedness is fundamental to maintaining regional stability.
Community trust as a national security asset
Emphasising that discipline and courage remain indispensable despite rapid technological advancements, Rajnath Singh said the conduct, bearing, language and restraint of Defence Forces personnel shape the image of the military among local communities.
Lauding the personnel for upholding these values, he urged them to strengthen their engagement with people, particularly in and around Bagdogra, and nurture the deep bond of trust and affection between civilians and the Defence Forces.
“The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversary’s conspiracies will become,” he said, highlighting the importance of public confidence in countering hostile narratives and misinformation.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: Technology to drive future warfare
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the Defence Minister highlighted the growing role 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 capabilities in drone operations and cyber security. He stressed that the military must become increasingly technology-driven to effectively anticipate and address future security challenges.
Second Tour Of Duty: A Diwali gift for Agniveers
Referring to the Cabinet’s approval of the ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers, Rajnath Singh described the decision as a significant Diwali gift that would provide them another opportunity to serve the nation.
He stated that upon completion of the two-year engagement period, all Agniveers would get an opportunity to be enrolled as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of the prescribed selection criteria.
The Defence Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to the welfare of Defence Forces personnel and their families, underlining the importance of recognising their service and sacrifices.
A festival salute to Air Warriors and their families
Extending Diwali greetings, Rajnath Singh wished the Air Warriors and their families good health, happiness and prosperity. He acknowledged that personnel deployed away from home during the festival make personal sacrifices while remaining steadfast in protecting fellow citizens.
Expressing gratitude to their families for their contribution and sacrifices, he assured them that while the soldiers remain committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders, the country will always stand by their families and work towards 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 IAF officials were present on the occasion.