Indian PM Modi celebrates Diwali with soldiers in Kutch
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday celebrated Diwali with the brave personnel from the BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force at Lakki Nala in the Creek Area of Kutch, Gujarat.
The Prime Minister said that the country is very proud of security personnel who stand firm in the inhospitable of places. The Creek Area of Kutch is both challenging and remote because of extreme temperatures. It has other environmental challenges as well. Prime Minister also went to one of the floating BOPs in the Creek area and shared sweets with the brave security personnel.
PM Modi lauded willpower and courage of soldiers and said today the country has a government that will not compromise an inch of land on the borders.
The Prime Minister said that people feel assured of their safety and peace when they see "unwavering resolve, unrelenting bravery, and unparalleled valour" of soldiers from the three services.
"I wish a very Happy Diwali to you and to every soldier of the country serving Mother India. These good wishes also include the gratitude of 140 crore citizens," he said.
"Somewhere there are Himalaya's glaciers and temperatures less than zero degrees, somewhere there are chilly winters while there are places where there are hot deserts with scorching sun and heat. There are lots of challenges... This practice tempers our soldiers to such an extent that our soldiers become like steel and shine, seeing which the soul of the enemy trembles, even they think that who will be able to defeat such soldiers who are not shaken even by such conditions," he added.
Lauding the "unshakable willpower" and "immense courage" of the soldiers, PM Modi said the soldiers have proved themselves in every challenging conditions.
"This unshakable willpower, immense courage, pinnacle of valour, when the country looks at you, it sees a guarantee of security and peace. When the world sees you, it sees the power of India and when the enemy sees you, it sees the end of their evil intentions. When you roar in enthusiasm, terrorists tremble. I am proud that the soldiers of our country have proved themselves in every challenging condition," he said.
"Today, when I am standing in Kutch, reference to Navy is equally important. There were efforts to convert this area of Kachchh in a war zone. The country knows that evil intentions of enemies on the land of Sir Creek, but the people of the country are at peace because you (security forces) are deployed here. They know how you gave them a smashing answer in the 1971 war. That's why nobody dares to look up on the lands of Sir Creek and Kachchh," PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister recalled his visits to Kutch as Chief Minister of Gujarat and said the BJP-led government has been taking care of the needs of the armed forces.
"Earlier, India was known as a country that imported weapons. Today, India is exporting defence equipment to many countries...today, there is a government in the country which cannot compromise with even an inch of land on borders. That's why our policies are aligned with the resolve of our armed forces," he added.
Indian and China had reached an agreement earlier this month on patrolling arrangements along Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. Following the agreement, Indian and Chinese troops have completed disengagement at two friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh and patrolling is set to commence soon at these points.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Thursday that India is equipping its military and security forces with modern resources, addressing the demands of the twenty-first century.
Speaking to troops after celebrating Diwali with them, PM Modi asserted that the country is placing its military among the world's most advanced armed forces.
"Keeping in mind the needs of the twenty-first century, we are equipping our armed forces with modern resources. We are positioning our military among the world's most modern forces, with self-reliance in the defence sector as the foundation of these efforts," the Prime Minister remarked. PM Modi also highlighted another aspect of national security that often goes undiscussed: border tourism.
"Our Kutch region has tremendous potential. Our remarkable centres of attraction and sites of faith, rich in heritage, are nature's gifts. The mangrove forests of Kachchh and the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat are crucial. The Gujarat coastline supports a vibrant ecosystem of marine life and flora. The government has taken steps to expand these mangrove forests," he noted.
PM Modi said the country had seen a lot of positive momentum with production of indigenous weapon system.
"Today India is building its own submarine. Today our Tejas fighter plane is becoming the strength of the Air Force. Earlier, India was known as a country that imported weapons. Today, India is exporting defence equipment to many countries of the world," he said.
PM Modi lauded the forces for their hard work and sacrifice that kept the country safe.
"It is because of the hard work and sacrifice of our soldiers that the country is safe today, the citizens are safe. Only a safe nation can progress. Therefore, today when we are moving so fast towards the goal of developed India, you all are the protectors of this dream," PM Modi said.
(ANI)