Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the nature of warfare has evolved significantly, extending far beyond conventional cross-border firing to include cyberattacks, drone swarms, proxy wars and information operations.

Addressing Indian Air Force personnel at the Bagdogra airfield in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali, Singh highlighted the growing complexity of the security environment and warned that modern adversaries increasingly seek to exploit vulnerabilities without entering into direct military confrontation.

He said contemporary conflicts are no longer confined to traditional battlefields and now encompass a broad spectrum of threats, including asymmetric warfare, cyber intrusions, influence campaigns and narrative management efforts designed to shape perceptions and undermine confidence.

"Warfare is no longer limited merely to cross-border firing. It has expanded greatly to encompass asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyberattacks, drone swarms, information operations, and narrative management," Singh said.

The Defence Minister noted that hostile actors are increasingly turning to indirect methods to achieve their objectives. Rather than engaging in open conflict, they often target weaknesses through digital and informational means, making vigilance across multiple domains essential.

He cautioned that social media platforms are being used to disseminate misleading information aimed at creating confusion, spreading distrust and influencing both local populations and military personnel.

"Today, the enemy often avoids direct conflict and instead tries to exploit our vulnerabilities. Through social media, the enemy also attempts to sow seeds of doubt among local populations and soldiers by spreading misleading information," Singh said.

Emphasising the changing role of military personnel, Singh stated that modern soldiers must maintain awareness not only of their operational responsibilities but also of cyber threats and information-related challenges that can affect national security.

"In such a scenario, your role is no longer that of an ordinary soldier. You are required to simultaneously maintain domain awareness, cyber resilience, and information integrity," he said.

According to Singh, success in confronting these evolving threats depends heavily on alertness, sound judgement and a clear understanding of the increasingly interconnected nature of modern warfare.

"It is solely through your vigilance and discretion that we can foil every attempt of the enemy," he added.

The Defence Minister also stressed that discipline remains a defining strength of the armed forces. He said the conduct, appearance and professionalism of personnel posted across the country play a crucial role in shaping public confidence in the military.

"Your discipline is your greatest strength. Whatever post you are stationed at, your conduct, your uniform, your language, and your restraint shape the image of the armed forces in the minds of the local people," Singh said.

His remarks reflect growing concerns among defence establishments worldwide about the expanding role of cyber warfare, unmanned systems, disinformation campaigns and hybrid threats, which increasingly complement traditional military tactics and require a more comprehensive approach to national security preparedness.

PTI