New Delhi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday interacted with Indian Army personnel stationed at Bagdogra Airfield in Darjeeling on the eve of Diwali. 

In a post on X, the Defence Minister stated that he will meet military personnel deployed at Sukna in Siliguri. Additionally, on the occasion of Diwali, the Union Minister will visit the Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim to pay tribute to martyred soldiers. 

Delighted to visit the Bagdogra Air Force Station today and interact with our brave Air Warriors on the eve of Diwali. The Indian Air Force stands as a formidable pillar of unwavering vigilance, immense skill, and steadfast readiness in safeguarding our nation’s skies. In today's complex security landscape involving asymmetric warfare, drone swarms, and cyber attacks, our Air Warriors' domain awareness and cyber resilience remain vital in protecting the nation. Meeting the men and women serving on the frontline and witnessing their boundless energy, devotion to duty, and high morale is truly inspiring. Every festival in our country is celebrated with joy and peace because our Armed Forces stand guard round-the-clock. The entire nation takes immense pride in their valor and selfless service. Jai Hind!

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 7, 2026

"Today, on the eve of Diwali, I will meet and interact with Indian Army personnel at Bagdogra Airfield in Darjeeling and at Sukna (Siliguri). Tomorrow (November 8), on Diwali, I will visit the Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim to pay tribute to our brave sons who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. I will also meet and interact with our soldiers deployed in this region," said Singh. 

Earlier, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a two-year ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on November 4. 

Announcing the decision, the Defence Minister expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving an additional two-year service opportunity for Agniveers, stating that the move would enable them to continue serving in the Armed Forces beyond their initial tenure. 

In a post on social media, Rajnath Singh said, “Taking a significant decision today, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Shri @narendramodi has approved a two-year ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers under Agnipath.” 

Welcoming the Cabinet's approval, the Defence Minister thanked the Prime Minister and highlighted that the decision would also provide an opportunity for willing Agniveers to be enrolled as regular soldiers after completing their prescribed four or six years of service, subject to meeting the selection criteria. 

“I sincerely thank PM Modi for taking the decision of an additional 2-year ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. This would also provide enrolment of all willing Agniveers as regular soldiers after the tenure of 4/6 years, who meet the selection criteria" he said. 

The provision also highlights the possibility of regular enrolment for willing Agniveers after completing their stipulated four or six years of service, subject to meeting the prescribed selection criteria. The additional two-year ‘Second Tour of Duty’ is intended to provide another opportunity for eligible personnel to continue their association with the armed forces. 

ALSO READ: Diwali celebrations in offices boost interfaith unity

Highlighting the broader vision behind the decision, the Defence Minister described it as part of the long-term structural reforms underway to strengthen India's defence forces. He emphasised the importance of building a younger, fitter and technologically equipped military capable of meeting emerging security challenges and adapting to the changing nature of warfare.