Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has described the Northeast as India’s “first frontier” rather than its “last frontier”, highlighting the region’s geographical, cultural and civilisational significance and its contribution to the country’s identity.
Singh was addressing troops during a ‘Bada Khana’ at Sukna Military Station in Darjeeling, where he joined soldiers for the traditional meal as part of Diwali celebrations.
A vital link in eastern security
“I do not view the North East as the last frontier of India, but rather as the first frontier of the nation… when we consider India’s geography, culture, and civilisation, the contribution of the North East is immensely significant,” Singh said.
Sukna is generally seen as only a military station, Singh said, but he believes it serves as a vital link in the security architecture of Eastern India.
Warfare has changed, Singh warns
The Defence Minister said the security challenges India faces have transformed significantly. “Today, however, warfare manifests in various forms — hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, the use of drones, infiltrations, and information warfare — all occurring simultaneously,” he said.
The remarks underline the strategic weight New Delhi now places on the eastern theatre, where the armed forces guard long and difficult frontiers with China, Myanmar and Bangladesh, and where infrastructure, connectivity and local partnership have become central to the security conversation.
The Centre has announced major changes to the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, while the Northeast continues to face environmental and development pressures of its own. Singh’s message frames the region as central to India’s future, not distant from it.
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