Singh urges high readiness and cyber resilience at Bagdogra

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged Indian Air Force personnel at Bagdogra Air Force Station in West Bengal to maintain high operational readiness and strengthen cyber resilience, domain awareness and information integrity, saying security threats increasingly extend beyond direct military confrontation.

Speaking to personnel on November 7, Singh described a more complex security environment involving asymmetric and proxy warfare, cyberattacks, drone swarms and information operations. He said an unnamed adversary may use social media to exploit vulnerabilities and sow doubt among local residents and soldiers. The reports did not identify the adversary or document specific misinformation incidents.

Singh said personnel in the eastern sector serve as a protective shield and that their preparedness contributes to regional stability. He also urged them to build ties with communities around Bagdogra, saying trust between residents and the armed forces was important. He emphasised that discipline and courage remain necessary alongside technological advances, and that military personnel’s conduct shapes how local communities view the forces.

The minister praised the contribution of...