Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Reviews Operational Preparedness of Trishakti Corps at Sukna.
Reviews Border Infrastructure Development Along LAC and Deployment of Advanced Military Equipment; Emphasises Preparedness Against Hybrid Warfare, Cyberattacks and Drone Threats.
Sukna (West Bengal):
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the operational preparedness of the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps at Sukna in West Bengal on Saturday. During his visit, he assessed infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the deployment of advanced military equipment and emerging technologies aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities and combat effectiveness of the armed forces.
The Defence Minister was briefed on various infrastructure projects and technological advancements being undertaken to enhance the Army’s preparedness in strategically important border areas. He expressed satisfaction with the operational readiness of the Corps and appreciated its contribution to nation-building through infrastructure development and community welfare initiatives in border regions.
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen VMB Krishnan, and General Officer Commanding, 33 Corps, Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann, along with other senior Army officers, were present during the visit.
Sukna Critical to Eastern India’s Security Architecture
Later, addressing Army personnel during Barakhana organised on the eve of Diwali, the Defence Minister commended the soldiers for their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders under challenging operational conditions.
Highlighting the strategic importance of logistics in national security, Rajnath Singh described Sukna and its surrounding region as a crucial hub for the movement of supplies, weapons, food, medical provisions and personnel to forward locations.
He said Sukna was a vital link in the security architecture of Eastern India and its geographical sensitivity required round-the-clock operational preparedness.
The Defence Minister stated that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was continuously strengthening supply chains to ensure that soldiers deployed in forward areas had access to all essential supplies and facilities.
Focus on Modern Equipment and Self-Reliance
Rajnath Singh highlighted that budgetary allocations for roads, tunnels, border infrastructure and modern military equipment had been increased to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.
He said India was steadily progressing towards the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with domestic start-ups and industries manufacturing advanced drones, anti-drone systems and other state-of-the-art military equipment.
He appreciated the armed forces for actively adopting emerging technologies, learning drone operations, improving their understanding of cybersecurity and undergoing training in modern military techniques.
He said these initiatives would help prepare the Defence Forces to meet future security challenges.
Modern Warfare Extends Beyond Conventional Battles
Emphasising the changing nature of warfare, the Defence Minister said modern security challenges were no longer limited to conventional exchanges of gunfire or artillery along borders.
He pointed out that hybrid warfare, proxy wars, cyberattacks, drone incursions and information warfare had become significant threats to national security.
He cautioned that adversaries were increasingly attempting to spread misinformation through social media, monitor sensitive locations using drones and compromise military systems through cyberattacks.
He urged Army personnel to remain vigilant, technologically equipped and prepared to counter threats across all domains of warfare.
Emphasis on Troop Welfare and Mental Health
The Defence Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to taking every possible step to maintain the morale and well-being of military personnel. He encouraged senior officers to spend quality time with soldiers, saying that regular interaction would strengthen their sense of belonging and reinforce their confidence that the government and the nation stood firmly behind them.
Rajnath Singh also highlighted the importance of mental health and emotional well-being among Defence Forces personnel. Acknowledging the stress associated with separation from families and demanding military duties, he encouraged soldiers to communicate openly with their colleagues and seek support whenever required rather than suppressing their feelings.
North-East Integral to India’s Identity
Describing the North-Eastern region as India’s ‘first edge’ rather than its ‘last edge’, the Defence Minister said the region represented the beginning of the country’s geographical and cultural landscape.
He highlighted the North-East’s rich biodiversity, natural beauty, cultural diversity and unique traditions, describing the region as an integral part of India’s national identity.
Diwali Greetings to Soldiers and Their Families
On the occasion, Rajnath Singh extended Diwali greetings to Army personnel and their families and assured them that the government remained committed to their safety, dignity and well-being.
He described Barakhana as a reflection of togetherness and equality, where personnel belonging to different regions, cultures and linguistic backgrounds come together as one family, transcending ranks and hierarchies.
