Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Diwali with Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel, including air warriors and officers, at the Bagdogra Air Force Station in Siliguri before departing for his visit to Sikkim. Highlighting the sacrifices made by security personnel who remain stationed along the borders and spend festivals away from their families, Singh praised their dedication to safeguarding the nation.
Addressing the personnel, the Defence Minister said he understood how much soldiers missed their homes and loved ones during festivals. However, he added, their commitment to national security despite such personal sacrifices was beyond words. Paying tribute to their dedication, he said he had come not to deliver a formal speech but to celebrate Diwali with his extended family—the armed forces—and boost their morale.
Underscoring the strategic and military significance of the region, Singh described the Bagdogra Air Force Station as a vital defence establishment protecting the eastern region and the borders of Northeast India. He urged personnel to maintain high alertness and ensure constant combat readiness.
Pointing out that the nature of warfare had changed significantly, he said modern conflicts were no longer restricted to conventional cross-border firing. They now involved unconventional tactics, proxy wars, cyberattacks, drone swarms and information operations.
He cautioned that adversaries were increasingly avoiding direct confrontation and instead attempting to create confusion among military personnel and the public through misinformation campaigns on social media. Therefore, he stressed the importance of technical awareness, cyber resilience and domain knowledge alongside conventional military capabilities.
Discipline and courage remain soldiers’ greatest strengths
While acknowledging the growing importance of machinery and advanced technology in modern warfare, Singh maintained that discipline and self-confidence remained the armed forces’ greatest assets.
“No matter how advanced technology may be, it remains meaningless if soldiers lack discipline and courage. It is discipline that transforms an ordinary soldier into an extraordinary warrior,” he said.
The Defence Minister also praised the conduct, restraint and dignity associated with the military uniform. He encouraged personnel to maintain cordial relations with residents of Bagdogra and neighbouring areas, observing that a strong bond between the armed forces and local communities could weaken and defeat hostile designs.
Push for indigenous defence technology
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Singh highlighted the growing contribution of Indian startups and domestic industries to defence manufacturing. He noted that indigenous companies were developing drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment.
Welcoming the participation of armed forces personnel in adopting these technologies, he said soldiers were being trained in drone operations, cybersecurity and emerging military methodologies. He emphasised that the armed forces would need to become increasingly technology-driven in the coming years.
Drawing an analogy from aviation, Singh explained that the successful flight of an aircraft was the outcome of the collective efforts of hundreds of personnel working across logistics, engineering, ground support, aviation and air traffic control.
He reassured the soldiers that their support extended far beyond their immediate colleagues. “Your team does not consist merely of aviation or engineering personnel; the entire nation is part of your team. Every single citizen of this country stands with you,” he said.
Agniveers to get two-year service extension option
Towards the end of his address, Singh outlined various initiatives aimed at strengthening the armed forces and improving the welfare of military personnel.
In a significant announcement concerning the Agnipath scheme, he said the remaining 75 per cent of Agniveers would be given the option of extending their service by another two years, according to their preference. He also described the opportunity for eligible Agniveers to join the regular armed forces after completing their tenure as a special Diwali gift.