Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 7 November 2026 visited Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali, interacting with Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel and urging them to sustain the highest standards of operational preparedness. Singh described the Air Warriors stationed in the region as a 'robust protective shield' for the security of the eastern sector, stressing that their readiness plays a vital role in maintaining stability across the strategically sensitive zone.

Modern Warfare and Emerging Security Threats

Singh told the assembled personnel that India's security environment was growing increasingly complex, with modern warfare no longer confined to conventional border confrontations. He flagged asymmetric warfare, proxy conflicts, cyber-attacks, drone swarms, information operations and narrative management as the defining challenges of the current era.

'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,' the Defence Minister said.

He called for enhanced domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity as the three pillars of preparedness against these non-traditional threats. This comes amid a broader strategic focus on the northeastern corridor, where India has been reinforcing its infrastructure and forward deployments in recent years.

Bagdogra's Strategic Significance

Singh described Bagdogra as a strategically significant location and an important node in India's overall security architecture, particularly with reference to the North-Eastern region. He praised the courage, commitment and dedication of personnel deployed there, acknowledging that soldiers stationed away from home often sacrifice time with their families during festivals.

The Defence Minister also emphasised that technological progress could not diminish the foundational importance of discipline and courage. He noted that the behaviour, conduct, language and restraint of military personnel significantly shape how the armed forces are perceived by local communities — a point he underscored by encouraging personnel to deepen their engagement with residents living in and around Bagdogra.

'The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversary's conspiracies will become,' he said.

Agniveer Policy Update: Second Tour of Duty

Singh also referenced the Cabinet's approval of a 'Second Tour of Duty' for Agniveers, calling it a significant Diwali gift for the scheme's recruits. Under the updated policy, Agniveers completing their initial engagement period will be eligible for a second two-year stint, after which all of them will have an opportunity to join the regular forces as soldiers, subject to willingness and fulfilment of prescribed selection criteria.

The announcement represents a notable evolution in the Agnipath scheme, which had faced criticism from various quarters since its launch over concerns about long-term career prospects for recruits. The government has maintained that the scheme modernises the age profile of the armed forces; critics argue the career uncertainty it creates has deterred potential applicants in several states.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Indigenous Defence Tech

Reiterating the government's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Singh highlighted the growing role of Indian start-ups and domestic industries in developing drones, anti-drone systems and other advanced military equipment. He commended the Defence Forces for adopting indigenous technologies and building new capabilities in drone operations and cyber security.

'The military must continue to become increasingly technology-driven,' he said, framing this push as preparation for future security challenges rather than merely a procurement preference.

Senior Officials Present

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Bagdogra Air Commodore Manish Sharma, and other senior IAF officials were present during the interaction. Singh extended Diwali greetings to the Air Warriors and their families, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by their loved ones in support of the nation's defence.

The visit signals continued high-level political attention to the eastern sector at a time when India's strategic posture in the region remains a subject of close scrutiny.