Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said self-reliance in defence is central to securing India’s interests on its own terms, asserting that technological adaptability, strategic planning and institutional innovation are essential in an increasingly complex global security environment.

Addressing personnel at the Eastern Air Command Headquarters in Shillong, Singh said modern conflicts have expanded beyond conventional battlefields and now involve hybrid warfare, cyber threats, information campaigns, supply chain disruptions and the growing use of drones. He stressed that traditional preparedness alone was no longer adequate to address these evolving challenges.

Defence Self-Reliance Essential for Security

Reiterating the government’s emphasis on Aatmanirbharta in defence, Singh said self-reliance was crucial to ensuring national security without dependence on external factors.

“In such a situation, traditional preparedness alone is not sufficient for the defence forces,” he said, while underlining the need for continuous adaptation to emerging threats.

Singh said technological agility and strategic foresight would be critical in maintaining India’s security interests amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

He added that Operation Sindoor had demonstrated the effectiveness of India’s self-reliance efforts and conveyed a strong message to hostile elements.

“Through Operation Sindoor, we demonstrated to terrorists and their handlers that India will not compromise on its security and sovereignty,” Singh said.

He described the operation as a reflection of the armed forces’ capability, vigilance and determination.

Eastern Air Command Plays Crucial Role

The Defence Minister said the Eastern Air Command remains a key component of India’s security architecture and has consistently maintained a high degree of operational readiness.

He noted that the command has played an important role in protecting the country’s eastern frontier while undertaking diverse responsibilities, including border management, high-altitude operations and disaster response.

Singh praised the personnel for carrying out their duties under challenging conditions and acknowledged their contributions during emergencies and humanitarian crises.

“Whenever the nation faces a natural disaster or crisis, you are always the first to step forward,” he said.

North-East Vital to India’s Strategic Vision

Singh said the North-East was not merely a geographical frontier but a strategic pillar of India’s security framework and an important element of the country’s Act East Policy.

He added that the armed forces embody national unity and the shared values of the country.

Referring to the increasing participation of women in the armed forces, the Defence Minister said their growing role reflected both institutional advancement and India’s cultural strength.

He concluded by emphasising that the armed forces remain a symbol of unity and commitment to the nation’s security and development.

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