Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Highlights Cyber Resilience and Domain Awareness for IAF

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday urged Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel to maintain the highest levels of operational readiness to counter emerging threats. Speaking during his visit to the Air Force Station in Bagdogra, West Bengal, on the eve of Diwali, Singh emphasized the critical need for domain awareness, cyber resilience, and information integrity.

Highlighting the changing nature of modern conflicts, Singh noted that warfare has evolved beyond traditional cross-border firing. He stated that contemporary security challenges now encompass asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyberattacks, drone swarms, information operations, and narrative management.

The defence minister cautioned that adversaries are increasingly seeking to exploit vulnerabilities without engaging in direct military conflict. Specifically, he pointed out that misleading information circulated via social media is being utilized to sow doubts among local populations and soldiers alike. In this context, he told the personnel that their operational responsibilities extend beyond conventional soldiering.

Describing Bagdogra as a strategically vital region and a crucial link in India's security architecture—particularly for the North-Eastern region—Singh commended the courage and dedication of the forces. He referred to the deployed Air Warriors as a robust shield for the security of the eastern sector, stating that their preparedness remains fundamental to regional stability.

Additionally, Singh encouraged the troops to strengthen their engagement with local communities in and around Bagdogra to nurture trust and affection between the public and the defence forces. He noted that active community engagement serves to counter adversary conspiracies effectively.

"As modern operations increasingly intersect with technology, digital infrastructure, and data integrity, the emphasis on cyber resilience and domain awareness becomes critical. Organizations across sectors, including emerging tech enterprises and deep-tech startups working on security solutions, must take note of how threat landscapes are evolving beyond traditional boundaries. Prioritizing robust information security and proactive communication frameworks is essential for safeguarding organizational stability and operational readiness in any sector." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes