Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared a festive meal with Indian Army personnel at Sukna Military Station in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali. The traditional Bada Khana brought officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and soldiers together, highlighting the camaraderie and fellowship within the Armed Forces.
Singh said it was a privilege to spend time with troops who guard the country’s borders while being away from their families during important festivals. He described the gathering as a reflection of the Army’s collective spirit, where personnel meet as one family and rank takes a secondary place.
Speaking about the Northeast, Singh called the region the glorious beginning of India rather than a distant frontier. He noted that it is the first part of the country to see the sunrise and welcome the day’s first light.
Tribute to troops serving away from home
The Defence Minister said visits to soldiers posted far from home were moving and humbling. He praised their dedication, resilience and commitment to duty, particularly during festivals when families across the country come together.
Singh said the soldiers’ warm smiles and sense of fellowship reflected the unity of the Armed Forces. He added that their courage, dedication and high morale give citizens confidence to celebrate in peace and security, and saluted personnel for their service and commitment to protecting India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Sukna gathering reflected an enduring Army tradition: shared meals and festive occasions that bring officers and soldiers together and reinforce unity, discipline and service before self.
Trishakti Corps preparedness review
During his visit to Sukna on November 7, 2026, Singh also reviewed the operational preparedness of the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps. He received briefings on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control, as well as the deployment of advanced military equipment and emerging technologies to strengthen combat effectiveness.
On November 8, the Defence Minister is scheduled to visit the Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim, pay tribute to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice and interact with personnel deployed in the region.
His Diwali engagements underline the government’s stated emphasis on recognising the sacrifices of military personnel and maintaining contact with troops serving in strategically important border regions.
