India must stay combat-ready against evolving security threats: Rajnath

India's armed forces must maintain peak operational readiness to effectively counter threats to national security, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday during a visit to Bagdogra Air Force Station in the eastern sector. Addressing personnel at the strategic airbase near the Chinese frontier, Singh outlined the evolving nature of contemporary security challenges facing the nation.

Without naming specific adversaries, Singh cautioned that hostile actors increasingly avoid direct military confrontation while seeking to exploit vulnerabilities through alternative means. "The adversary may attempt to sow doubt through social media and misleading information campaigns targeting both the civilian population and military personnel," Singh said, underscoring the multi-dimensional nature of modern security threats.

The Defence Minister emphasized that the security landscape has become progressively complex, requiring armed forces personnel to extend their role beyond conventional military duties. Singh stressed the necessity for heightened vigilance against information warfare and coordinated efforts to counter disinformation campaigns that could undermine national security.

The visit to Bagdogra Air Force Station, located in West Bengal near India's eastern frontier, comes as New Delhi continues to strengthen its defence posture along the border regions. Singh's remarks reflect ongoing concerns about emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and the need for comprehensive military preparedness.