Shillong : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday underlined the strategic importance of the Northeast, saying the region is not merely a geographical boundary but a “vital pillar of India’s security, prosperity, and strategic strength.”
Addressing an event organised by the Eastern Air Command in Shillong, Singh said the Northeast plays a crucial role in India’s Act East Policy as well. He described the region as an integral part of India’s strategic destiny, where borders, rivers, and cultures are deeply interconnected.
“When we speak of the East, we are not referring to just a part of the map, but a vibrant space where history, geography, security, and the future come together,” he said, adding that the Eastern Command holds critical importance for India’s overall national security in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The Defence Minister said the nature of warfare has undergone a major transformation in recent years, highlighting hybrid threats, cyber challenges, information warfare, logistics, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the growing use of drones as key elements of modern conflict.
He stressed that traditional military preparedness alone is no longer sufficient, and armed forces now require technological agility, strategic foresight, and institutional innovation. Singh noted that the Indian armed forces are rapidly adapting to these emerging challenges.
Referring to the government’s push for self-reliance, he said India can ensure its security only through indigenous strength. He also cited the success of “Operation Sindoor” as an example of the country’s growing self-reliant defence capability.
The Defence Minister added that technological progress must always be balanced with moral and cultural values. He said India’s strength lies not only in modernisation but also in its deep-rooted traditions and cultural ethos.
Praising the armed forces, Singh said their capability, vigilance, and determination have once again demonstrated India’s strength to the world. He also highlighted the increasing participation of women in the armed forces, saying they are playing pioneering roles across various domains.
He is scheduled to participate in the Indian Air Force programme on International Yoga Day in Shillong on Sunday morning.