Kolkata, 07 November (H.S.) : Celebrating the festival of lights with the armed forces, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Bagdogra Air Force Station on Saturday to extend Diwali greetings to Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel. During his visit, the minister shared sweets with the airmen and expressed profound appreciation for their unwavering courage, dedication to duty, and exemplary discipline. He lauded the IAF's vital contributions, noting that whether safeguarding the nation's borders or conducting crucial rescue operations during natural calamities, the Air Force remains a source of immense national pride.

Addressing the gathered personnel, the Defence Minister emphasized that the bravery and dedication of the IAF are recognized not just within India, but globally. He stated that Air Force personnel are perennially prepared to confront any challenge, be it ensuring national security in adverse conditions or spearheading relief and rescue missions during disasters, adding that their dedication remains the nation's greatest strength.

Underscoring the paramount importance of discipline within the armed forces, Singh remarked that irrespective of technological advancements, advanced weaponry holds little value without the courage and discipline of the soldiers wielding it. It is discipline that transforms an ordinary soldier into an extraordinary warrior, he declared. He further stressed that bolstering military capabilities requires a synergy of modern technology with the courage, dedication, and discipline of the troops.

The Defence Minister also highlighted the pressing need to enhance the armed forces' proficiency in modern technological domains, specifically drone operations and cybersecurity. He noted that personnel are undergoing rigorous training in drone handling, cyber defense, and evolving warfare strategies. Acknowledging the necessity of equipping the armed forces with cutting-edge technology to effectively counter future threats, Singh expressed confidence that with the troops' continued dedication, India will steadily advance in this arena.

Touching upon the strides made in the domestic defense manufacturing sector, Singh pointed to the success of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative. He stated that domestic startups and industrial entities are actively developing drones, anti-drone systems, and modern equipment tailored for the armed forces. Expressing pride in the development and utilization of indigenous defense technology, he reiterated that boosting domestic defense production is critical for the nation's strategic capability and self-reliance.

Furthermore, the Defence Minister advised the personnel to foster strong, harmonious relationships with the local populace. He observed that the image of the armed forces is shaped by the soldiers' conduct, attire, communication, and restraint. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the deployed personnel to maintain cordial ties with the communities in their areas of operation.

Concluding his address, Singh noted that the stronger the bond between the local people and the military, the weaker the divisive conspiracies of adversaries become. He highlighted the deep-seated respect and affection the people of Bagdogra and its surrounding regions harbor for the armed forces, urging the personnel to continuously uphold and nurture this trust through their conduct and actions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh