India Faces Continuous Security Challenges On External, Internal Fronts: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday (29 December) described India as a "not very lucky" nation in terms of security and called on soldiers to remain vigilant against both internal and external adversaries, who he emphasised, are always active.

Addressing Army personnel at the Mhow cantonment in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, Singh underscored the significance of proactive vigilance in safeguarding the nation.

Mhow cantonment, located 25 km from Indore, houses three prestigious institutions—Army War College, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, and Infantry School—alongside the Infantry Museum and Army Marksmanship Unit.

"Taking the security scenario into account, Bharat is not a very lucky country because our northern border and western border continuously face challenges," said Singh, who is on a two-day tour of Madhya Pradesh.

"We also face challenges on the internal front. In the backdrop of this, we can't sit quiet, unconcerned. Our enemies, whether internal or external, remain active always. In these circumstances, we must keep a close eye on their activities and take appropriate and timely effective steps against them," Singh said.

He also highlighted the Army's pivotal role in realising the vision of a developed and self-reliant India by 2047.

"You are the protectors of our borders, and the forerunners in nation building. I am sure that you will continue securing our borders with courage and dedication, and contribute in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.

"..as the country's defence minister, I would like to tell you that we should be alert always. This patch of time, though often referred to as peacetime, struck me deeply when I arrived and witnessed the discipline and dedication with which you are undergoing training. Your regimen is no less than that of a war," the Defence Minister said.

Earlier, Singh, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, paid floral tributes at the memorial of Dr B R Ambedkar in Mhow.

The memorial, dedicated to the chief architect of India's Constitution, is located at Ambedkar's birthplace in the Kali Paltan area of the cantonment.

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