Sukna: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said modern warfare was no longer limited to conventional military confrontations, stressing the need for the armed forces to remain prepared for emerging threats such as cyberattacks, drone incursions, proxy wars and information warfare.
Addressing personnel at the headquarters of Trishakti Corps in Sukna, West Bengal, Singh said adversaries were increasingly employing unconventional methods, including spreading misinformation through social media, deploying drones to monitor sensitive military installations and attempting to compromise defence systems through cyberattacks.
He said the changing nature of warfare required continuous vigilance, technological advancement and the adoption of new operational strategies by the armed forces.
During his visit, Singh reviewed the operational preparedness of Trishakti Corps and was briefed on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), deployment of advanced military equipment and the integration of emerging technologies to enhance 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 also reviewed the role of the Corps in infrastructure development and community welfare initiatives in border areas.
Describing Sukna as a strategically important link in eastern India’s security architecture, he said the region facilitated the movement of military equipment, food, medical supplies and personnel to forward locations.
He said the government was strengthening military supply chains to ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential supplies to troops deployed along sensitive borders. He also referred to increased budgetary allocations for border roads, tunnels, infrastructure development and modern military equipment.
On defence self-reliance, Singh said Indian start-ups and industries were developing drones, anti-drone systems and other advanced military equipment. He added that the armed forces were incorporating technologies such as drone operations and cybersecurity into their training and operational frameworks.
Addressing soldiers during a Barakhana gathering ahead of Diwali, the Defence Minister praised their professionalism and dedication in safeguarding the country’s borders under challenging conditions.
Emphasising the importance of troop morale, he urged officers to maintain regular interaction with personnel, saying such engagement would strengthen camaraderie and reinforce soldiers’ confidence in the support of the government and the country.
Singh also highlighted the importance of mental health and emotional well-being among military personnel, noting that prolonged separation from families and demanding operational responsibilities could cause stress. He encouraged soldiers to share their concerns with colleagues and seek support when required.
Referring to the strategic and cultural significance of the North-East, Singh described the region as India’s “first edge” rather than its “last edge”, emphasising its importance in the country’s geographical and cultural landscape.
He extended Diwali greetings to soldiers and their families and said Barakhana gatherings reflected the spirit of unity and equality within the armed forces, bringing together personnel from diverse regional, cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
