Don’t see our commitment to peace as our weakness: Narendra Modi

Nimu (Leh) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said people across the country sleep without any fear only because of the alert troops who protect country on borders and that India’s commitment towards peace shouldn’t be seen as its weakness.According to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), PM Modi was addressing soldiers in Nimu in Leh Union Territory, where tensions were high due to the deadly face-off between Indian and Chinese army that saw killing of 20 Indian soldiers at Galwan Valley.PM Modi travelled to Nimu in Ladakh to interact with troops earlier today. Nimu is surrounded by the Zanskar range and is on the banks of river Indus. The Prime Minister met the top leadership of the Indian Army and later interacted with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP.Prime Minister paid rich tributes to the valour of our Armed Forces, stating that their courage and devotion to country unparalleled. “Indians can go about their lives peacefully because they know that our Armed Forces are standing firm, protecting the nation round the clock,” the PM said addressing soldiers at Nimu. “Due to the exemplary bravery of the Armed Forces in the recent weeks, the world has taken note of India’s strength.”Prime Minister remembered all the soldiers made the supreme sacrifice at the Galwan Valley. “Those who were martyred belong to all parts of India and epitomize our land’s ethos of bravery,” he said.He affirmed that be it Leh-Ladakh, Kargil or the Siachen Glacier, be it the high mountains or the icy cold water that flows in the rivers, these are testimony to the gallantry of India’s Armed Forces. “The enemies of India have seen the fire and fury of our forces,” the PM said, as per KNO .Prime Minister also paid homage to mothers of all the soldiers and security forces of India who serve India with unparalleled diligence.
Prime Minister spoke at length about how the virtues of peace, friendship and courage have been a part of India’s culture since time immemorial. “India has always given a befitting reply to anyone who has tried to disturb the prevailing atmosphere of peace and progress,” he said.The PM affirmed that India is committed to peace and friendship but “this commitment to peace should not be seen as India’s weakness.”“Today India is becoming stronger, be it in naval might, air power, space power and the strength of our army. Modernization of weapons and upgradation of infrastructure has enhanced our defence capabilities multifold,” the PM said. Prime Minister recalled that Indian soldiers had a long history of bravery and competence in global military campaigns, including in the two World Wars.Prime Minister said that the time for expansionism is over. “This is the era of development. It is this mindset of expansionism that did great harm,” he said.He added that in the last few years, several steps have been taken for the wellbeing of India’s forces and furthering India’s security preparedness. “This includes ensuring availability of modern weaponry, increased border infrastructure, border area development and expanding the roads network. Expenditure on border infrastructure has been enhanced three times,” the PM said.Prime Minister also mentioned the efforts to strengthen the national security apparatus and to ensure the well-being of our armed forces. The PM highlighted recent initiatives of the government such as creation of CDS, construction of a grand National War Memorial, fulfilment of OROP after decades and steps to ensure the well-being of the families of the armed forces personnel.During the interaction, Prime Minister recalled the greatness of Ladakh’s culture as well as the noble teachings of Kushok Bakula Rimpoche. He described Ladakh as a land of sacrifice and a land that has given several patriots. Prime Minister affirmed that the people of India are inspired by the teachings of Gautam Buddha, for whom courage was linked to conviction and compassion—(KNO)