Sukna, Nov 8 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that modern warfare is no longer confined to conventional military confrontations, warning that emerging threats such as cyberattacks, drone incursions, proxy wars and information warfare demand constant vigilance and technological preparedness from the armed forces.
Addressing soldiers at the Trishakti Corps headquarters in Sukna, West Bengal, on Saturday, Singh said adversaries were increasingly resorting to unconventional tactics, including spreading misinformation through social media, using drones to monitor sensitive military installations and attempting to compromise defence systems through cyberattacks.
He said the changing nature of warfare required the armed forces to remain prepared for security challenges extending beyond traditional battlefields.
During his visit, the Defence Minister reviewed the operational preparedness of the Corps and was briefed on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), deployment of advanced military equipment and integration of emerging technologies to strengthen combat capabilities.
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command Lt Gen VMB Krishnan and General Officer Commanding of 33 Corps Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann were among the senior officers present.
Singh expressed satisfaction with the operational preparedness of the Corps and appreciated its contribution to infrastructure development and community welfare initiatives in border areas.
Describing Sukna as a vital link in eastern India’s security architecture, he said the strategically located region played a crucial role in facilitating the movement of military equipment, food, medical supplies and personnel to forward locations.
The Defence Minister said the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was strengthening military supply chains to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential supplies to soldiers deployed in sensitive border areas.
He said budgetary allocations for border roads, tunnels, infrastructure and modern military equipment had been increased as part of efforts to strengthen national security.
Highlighting the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Singh said Indian start-ups and industries were developing drones, anti-drone systems and other advanced military equipment.
He said the armed forces were increasingly adopting emerging technologies, including drone operations and cybersecurity, while undergoing training in new operational methodologies to meet future security challenges.
Addressing soldiers during a Barakhana gathering on the eve of Diwali, Singh praised their courage, professionalism and dedication in safeguarding the country’s frontiers under challenging operational conditions.
He also emphasised the importance of troop morale and urged officers to spend quality time with soldiers, saying regular interaction would strengthen camaraderie and reinforce their confidence in the support of the government and the nation.
The Defence Minister underscored the importance of mental health and emotional well-being among military personnel, acknowledging that prolonged separation from families and demanding operational responsibilities could cause stress.
He encouraged soldiers to communicate openly with their colleagues and seek support rather than suppress their concerns.
Referring to the strategic and cultural importance of the North-East, Singh described the region as India’s “first edge” rather than its “last edge”, saying it represented the beginning of the country’s geographical and cultural landscape.
Extending Diwali greetings to soldiers and their families, Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring their safety, dignity and welfare.
He said Barakhana gatherings reflected the spirit of togetherness and equality within the armed forces, bringing personnel from different regions, cultures and linguistic backgrounds together as one family. (KNS)
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