Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the operational preparedness of Trishakti Corps at Sukna, West Bengal, on November 7, 2026. During the visit, he was briefed on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the deployment of advanced military equipment and emerging technologies to enhance operational capabilities and combat effectiveness.
The Raksha Mantri expressed satisfaction with the operational preparedness of the Corps and appreciated its contribution to nation-building through infrastructure development and community welfare initiatives in border areas. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in strengthening relations with local communities while supporting development in strategically important 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, were present during the visit, along with other senior Army officers.
Later, on the eve of Diwali, Shri Rajnath Singh addressed soldiers during a Barakhana, commending their courage, professionalism and unwavering dedication towards safeguarding the nation’s frontiers under challenging operational conditions. He acknowledged the demanding nature of their responsibilities and reiterated the importance of maintaining high levels of readiness and morale among personnel deployed in forward areas.
Emphasising the central role of logistics in national security, the Raksha Mantri described Sukna and its surrounding region as a critical hub for the movement of supplies, weaponry, food, medical provisions and personnel to forward locations. He stated that Sukna serves as a vital link in the security architecture of Eastern India and that its geographical sensitivity makes round-the-clock operational readiness essential.
He further stated that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is continuously working to strengthen supply chains and ensure the availability of essential supplies to soldiers deployed at forward locations. Reliable logistics infrastructure, he emphasised, remains crucial to sustaining troops and supporting military operations in strategically sensitive areas.
Shri Rajnath Singh also highlighted the increased budgetary allocations for roads, tunnels, border infrastructure and modern military equipment. He said that the country was steadily progressing towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, with domestic start-ups and industries increasingly contributing to the development of advanced defence technologies.
“Our start-ups and industries are now manufacturing drones, anti-drone systems, and other state-of-the-art equipment for the soldiers. It is a matter of pride that our Defence Forces are actively embracing emerging technologies, learning drone operations, enhancing their understanding of cyber security, and undergoing training in new methodologies. This transformation will prepare us for the future,” he said.
The Raksha Mantri underlined that the changing character of warfare requires the Armed Forces to remain prepared across multiple domains. He observed that modern warfare is no longer restricted to conventional battles involving gunfire and artillery along borders, but increasingly encompasses hybrid warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone incursions and information warfare.
He cautioned that adversaries are employing diverse methods to challenge national security, including spreading rumours through social media, monitoring sensitive locations using drones and attempting to compromise military systems through cyber-attacks. In view of these evolving threats, he exhorted personnel to remain vigilant, strengthen their understanding of emerging technologies and maintain preparedness to respond to challenges across all domains.
Shri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to taking every possible measure to boost the morale of troops. He urged officers to spend quality time with soldiers whenever possible, noting that regular interaction would foster a strong sense of belonging among personnel. Such engagement, he said, would reinforce their confidence that the Government and the entire nation stand firmly with them.
The Raksha Mantri also emphasised the importance of mental health and emotional well-being among Defence Forces personnel. Acknowledging the stress that soldiers may experience due to separation from their families and the demanding nature of military duties, he encouraged them to communicate openly with their comrades and seek support rather than suppress their feelings.
Highlighting the importance of the North-Eastern region in India’s national identity, Shri Rajnath Singh described it as the country’s ‘first edge’ rather than its ‘last edge’. He observed that the region represents the beginning of India’s geographical and cultural landscape, receiving the first rays of the morning sun.
He also highlighted the North-East’s rich biodiversity, natural beauty, cultural diversity and distinctive traditions, describing the region as an integral part of India’s identity. His remarks underscored the strategic and cultural significance of the region, as well as the importance of recognising its contribution to the country’s broader national landscape.
The visit brought together key aspects of India’s border security priorities, including operational preparedness, infrastructure development, modernisation, technological adaptation and reliable logistics support. The Raksha Mantri’s interaction with Trishakti Corps personnel also highlighted the importance of troop morale, community engagement and mental well-being alongside the continuing focus on strengthening military capabilities along the country’s sensitive frontiers.
