Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed soldiers at the Eastern Air Command Headquarters in Shillong, Meghalaya on June 20, 2026, emphasizing the critical need for technological agility, strategic foresight, and institutional innovation to maintain robust defense preparedness amidst global uncertainties. He identified hybrid threats, cyber challenges, information warfare, logistics resilience, supply chain security, and drones as emerging critical elements in modern warfare, stating that traditional preparedness alone is insufficient for defense forces.
Singh reiterated the imperative for India to achieve Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) to ensure national security on its own terms, citing Operation Sindoor as a historic success that demonstrated India's growing strength and resolve not to compromise on security and sovereignty. He praised the Eastern Air Command as an essential pillar of security for India's eastern frontier, commending its professionalism, courage, and commitment across battlefield operations, peacetime deployment, disaster response, high-altitude operations, and border management.
The Raksha Mantri highlighted the strategic importance of the North-East region, describing it as crucial to India's security, prosperity, and strategic power rather than just a geographical area, and noting its key role in India's Act East Policy. He stated that as India strengthens its global role, the North-East's importance has grown further. Singh also noted the growing role of women in defense forces as representing institutional advancement and cultural values.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia were present during the address. The Raksha Mantri is scheduled to celebrate International Day of Yoga 2026 with troops at the Eastern Air Command Headquarters on June 21, 2026.