India surrounded by hostile actors, optimal resource use necessary: Rajnath

National security, an indispensable pillar of India's journey towards Viksit Bharat, is a collective duty of every citizen, and not the sole responsibility of the defence forces, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at an event here, noting that while soldiers remain the first line of defence, the strength of national security is equally determined through unity, discipline and awareness among the people.

Underlining that no individual can afford to remain passive in the face of evolving challenges and prevailing global uncertainties, he urged people to act responsibly and with a deep sense of commitment.

"Safeguarding national interests requires coordinated efforts across all sections of society.

The citizens must contribute meaningfully to national security by abiding by the law, rejecting misinformation, and placing the nation's interests above personal gains. As a nation, we find ourselves surrounded by various hostile actors.

We need to ensure optimum utilisation of every resource at our disposal," he added.

Terming 'information' as a powerful tool in today's rapidly evolving landscape, Rajnath Singh stated that misinformation and rumors have the potential to create instability within the society.

He emphasised that the role of the media becomes critical in ensuring that accurate and responsible information reaches people. "The media is not merely a medium to disseminate news, it is a powerful institution that shapes public opinion.

It must recognise that if sensitive issues pertaining to national security are misrepresented, driven by a pursuit of sensationalism, the repercussions could be severe.