Rajnath Singh calls Agniveers’ ‘Second Tour of Duty’ a significant Diwali gift during Bagdogra visit

New Delhi: The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, on Saturday called the ‘Second Tour of Duty’ a significant Diwali gift for Agniveers. The arrangement, approved by the Union Cabinet, will give them another opportunity to serve the nation. Agniveers who complete the two-year engagement can be enrolled as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and selection criteria.

Singh was speaking while interacting with Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali. He also urged the armed forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness and stressed the need to strengthen domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity.

The minister said the security environment was becoming increasingly complex. He cited asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyberattacks, drone swarms and information operations as emerging threats.

“Often, the adversary avoids direct confrontation and instead seeks to exploit our vulnerabilities. Through social media, the adversary may attempt to sow doubt in the minds of the local population and our soldiers by spreading misleading information,” Singh said.

Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important link in India’s security framework, Singh highlighted its importance for the Northeast. He said the IAF personnel stationed there served as a shield for the eastern sector, and that their preparedness was vital to regional stability.

Singh also urged personnel to build stronger ties with local communities. He said their discipline, conduct, language and restraint shaped the military’s image among civilians. “The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversary’s conspiracies will become,” he said.

On defence modernization, Singh highlighted the role of Indian startups and industry in developing drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment. He praised the armed forces for adopting indigenous technologies and developing skills in drone operations and cyber security.

The minister stressed the need to make the military increasingly technology-driven. He said this would help the forces address future security challenges.

Singh extended Diwali greetings to the personnel and their families. He acknowledged that personnel often miss festivals with their families while protecting the country, thanked the families for their sacrifices and contributions, and assured them of the nation’s support.

In a post on X, Singh described the IAF as a pillar of vigilance, skill and readiness in safeguarding India’s skies. He said meeting frontline personnel and seeing their high morale and dedication was inspiring.

Singh also shared a video of two IAF personnel performing a patriotic song. He said their voices reflected the passion, pride and dedication that define their service, adding, “Truly a treat to listen to!”

The chief of air staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, the air officer commanding at Air Force Station Bagdogra, Air Commodore Manish Sharma, and other senior IAF officials were present.