Drones, Cyberattacks and Rumours: Rajnath Singh Warns of Changing Face of Warfare
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warns against hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, and social media rumours while addressing troops in Sukna.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has sounded a wake-up call regarding the evolving nature of global conflict, stating that the changing face of warfare now extends far beyond traditional battlefield clashes. Speaking at the Headquarters of Trishakti Corps in Sukna, Siliguri, the Minister highlighted how modern adversaries are leveraging technology and psychological tactics to destabilize nations without necessarily crossing a physical border.
The Rise of Hybrid and Proxy Wars
Addressing the troops during a 'Bada Khana' celebration for Diwali, Rajnath Singh explained that today's conflicts are multi-dimensional. He noted that the world is witnessing a simultaneous surge in hybrid warfare, proxy wars, and information warfare.
According to the Defence Minister, the enemy's strategy has shifted. Instead of direct conventional assaults, adversaries are now employing more insidious methods:
- Social Media Manipulation: Using digital platforms to spread rumours and misinformation to create internal chaos.
- Drone Surveillance: Deploying drones to monitor and spy on sensitive military and strategic locations.
- Cyber Warfare: Launching sophisticated cyberattacks designed to weaken critical national systems and infrastructure.
From Warriors to Vigilant Sentinels
Given these emerging threats, Singh emphasized that the responsibilities of the Indian armed forces have expanded. He remarked that soldiers can no longer view themselves solely as warriors engaged in traditional combat.
"In such circumstances, your role is no longer limited to that of a warrior fighting battles; it becomes that of a vigilant sentinel, ready to protect our borders on every front," the Defence Minister stated.
The Path to a Stronger Military
The Minister linked India's ambition of becoming a developed nation to the strength and readiness of its military. He argued that military superiority is not achieved through hardware alone, but through a combination of two critical factors: technological advancement and high morale.
Singh asserted that the higher the morale of the troops, the more India's military development will soar, urging a dual focus on upgrading weaponry and supporting the mental and emotional well-being of the personnel.
A Message of Solidarity and Celebration
Moving away from the strategic concerns, Rajnath Singh shared a personal moment with the soldiers, stating that he visited Sukna not as a formal government official, but to celebrate Diwali with members of his own family. He described the 'Bada Khana'—a community feast—as a symbol of the unity and togetherness shared by personnel from diverse regional, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds.
He reassured the troops that they are never alone in their struggle, asserting that the Government of India and the entire citizenry stand shoulder to shoulder with the soldiers.
The Defence Minister was received at the Trishakti Corps Headquarters by Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth and Lieutenant General Man Raj Singh Mann, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Trishakti Corps.