India — Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the operational preparedness of Trishakti Corps at Sukna, West Bengal, on November 7, 2026. 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 & combat effectiveness. 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, calibrated to strengthening ties with local communities. 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 on the occasion, along with other senior Army officers.
Strategic Capabilities & Operational Deployment
Later, addressing the soldiers during Barakhana on the eve of Diwali, Raksha Mantri commended their courage, professionalism and unwavering dedication towards safeguarding the nation’s frontiers under challenging operational conditions. Underlining the importance of logistics in national security, he 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 noted that Sukna serves as a vital link in the security architecture of Eastern India and its geographical sensitivity necessitates round-the-clock operational readiness. He added that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is continuously working to strengthen supply chains and ensure that soldiers deployed at forward locations have access to all essential requirements.
Detailing the operational roadmap, shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that budgetary allocations for roads, tunnels, border infrastructure and modern equipment have been increased, with the nation steadily progressing towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. “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.
Highlighting the changing nature of modern warfare, Raksha Mantri emphasised that security challenges are no longer confined to conventional exchanges of gunfire or artillery along the borders, but encompass hybrid warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone incursions and information warfare. He noted that adversaries increasingly resort to spreading rumours through social media, monitoring sensitive locations using drones and attempting to compromise military systems through cyber-attacks. He exhorted the personnel to remain vigilant and prepared to safeguard national security across all domains.
Defense Leadership & Command Perspectives
In official remarks concerning the development, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the imperative of rigorous milestone tracking, cross-agency alignment, and steadfast adherence to established operational timelines.
Strategic Preparedness & Regional Security
Shri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to taking every possible step to boost troop morale and urged officers to spend quality time with soldiers whenever possible. Such interactions, he said, would foster a strong sense of belonging among personnel and reinforce their confidence that the Government and the entire nation stand firmly with them.
In terms of implementation context, raksha Mantri also underscored the importance of mental health and emotional well-being among Defence Forces personnel. Acknowledging that soldiers may experience stress attributable to separation from their families and the demands of their duties, he encouraged them to communicate openly with their comrades and seek support rather than suppress their feelings.
Eastern region as the ‘first edge’ rather than the ‘last edge’ of India, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the region represents the beginning of the nation’s geographical and cultural landscape, as it receives the first rays of the morning sun. He highlighted the North-East’s rich biodiversity, natural beauty, cultural diversity and unique traditions, describing it as an integral part of India’s identity.
Defense Horizon & Operational Induction
With technical trials reaching advanced evaluation stages, designated defense commands will oversee subsequent validation exercises to prepare for full operational induction.
