At Air Force Station Bagdogra on November 7, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged Indian Air Force personnel to prepare for a security environment shaped by cyberattacks, drone swarms, proxy conflicts and information operations. He was speaking during a Diwali interaction in West Bengal, where he called for operational readiness, stronger domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity.
Singh said threats now extend beyond conventional military engagements along international borders. Adversaries, he cautioned, may seek to exploit vulnerabilities without direct confrontation, including through misleading material circulated on social media and other communication platforms. Such activity could create confusion, weaken public confidence and affect the morale of military personnel.
He called on soldiers and air warriors to remain alert to these efforts, safeguard the integrity of information and maintain strong relationships with civilian communities.
Bagdogra’s role in the eastern sector
Describing Bagdogra as important to India’s national security framework, particularly for the North-Eastern region, the Defence Minister praised the dedication and professionalism of personnel serving in the eastern sector. He said the air warriors stationed there provide a strong shield for the eastern region, and that their preparedness contributes to regional stability and India’s defence readiness.
Bagdogra Air Force Station is near the strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor, which connects mainland India with the northeastern states. The airbase supports military aviation and operational requirements in a region of considerable strategic significance.
Singh also said that technological progress must be matched by discipline, courage, professionalism and restraint. The conduct of Armed Forces personnel, he noted, influences how local communities perceive the military. He encouraged personnel to engage with civilians around Bagdogra and sustain the trust and goodwill between the Armed Forces and the public.
Stronger civil-military relationships, he added, could help counter hostile misinformation campaigns and attempts to create divisions between service personnel and civilians.
Indigenous capabilities for emerging threats
Highlighting the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Singh acknowledged the contribution of Indian defence industries and start-ups to advanced military technologies. He referred to progress in indigenous drones, counter-drone systems and other modern defence equipment, noting the growing importance of these capabilities in contemporary warfare.
The Defence Minister praised the Armed Forces for adopting indigenous technology and developing specialised skills in areas including drone warfare and cybersecurity. He called for continued efforts to make India’s military more technology-driven and adaptable, with the capacity to respond to evolving threats.
Second Tour of Duty initiative
Singh also referred to the Union Cabinet’s recent approval of the Second Tour of Duty initiative for Agniveers, describing it as a major Diwali gift. He said it would give them another opportunity to serve the nation beyond their initial engagement under the Agnipath scheme.
Under the announced arrangement, Agniveers will receive an additional two-year engagement opportunity. After completing that period, they will have the opportunity to seek enrolment as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of the prescribed selection criteria. Singh said the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to the professional development and future opportunities of young military personnel.
Greetings to air warriors and their families
The Defence Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the welfare of Armed Forces personnel and their families, recognising the sacrifices involved in serving in demanding operational environments. He extended Diwali greetings to the air warriors and their families, wishing them good health, happiness and prosperity.
He acknowledged that many personnel remain deployed away from home during important festivals so citizens across the country can celebrate safely and peacefully. Singh thanked military families for their sacrifices and support, and assured personnel that the nation would stand by their loved ones as they fulfil their duties. He also recognised the contribution of family welfare to the morale and effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Bagdogra Air Commodore Manish Sharma, and other senior Indian Air Force officials were present at the interaction.
