NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that India will not compromise on even an inch of its borders. Celebrating Diwali with soldiers in Gujarat’s Kutch region, the PM said that national policy aligns with the resolve of its armed forces. “We trust the determination of our soldiers, not the words of our enemies,” PM Modi said, adding that the people of India place their faith in the military’s strength to defend the country.
PM Modi also emphasized his trust in their resolve over diplomatic assurances from adversaries. “To the world, you represent India’s strength; to our enemies, you signal the end of their sinister plans,” he told the soldiers.
Known for its harsh climate and challenging terrain, Kutch has been PM Modi’s preferred Diwali celebration site since 2014.
He praised the strength and dedication of India’s armed forces, affirming that the nation’s policies are crafted with full confidence in their capabilities and commitment. PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the armed forces for ensuring the nation’s security and making its people feel safe.
Diwali with jawans: ‘Biggest happiness’
Expressing his joy on celebrating Diwali with the armed forces, PM Modi said, “Getting an opportunity to celebrate the festival of Diwali with the jawans is the biggest happiness… I extend my best wishes to you all.”
‘India’s strength’
Expressing the nation’s gratitude, he said, “When the nation sees your unwavering resolve, your unrelenting bravery, and unparalleled valor, it feels assured of safety and peace! When the world sees you, it sees India’s strength; when enemies see you, they see the end of their sinister plans.”
‘Zero tolerance on border compromise’
Reiterating a zero-tolerance approach on border security, PM Modi assured, “There is such a government in the country which cannot compromise even on an inch of the country’s border. Our policies are made according to the resolve of our forces.”
‘In league of world’s most modern military forces’
“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,” said PM Modi talking about the enhancement of the defence sector.
“Keeping in mind the needs of the twenty-first century, today we are equipping our armies, our security forces, with modern resources. We are putting our Army in the league of the world’s most modern military forces. The basis of these efforts of ours is self-reliance in the defence sector,” he added.
‘Protectors of developed India goal’
Highlighting the role of the armed forces in India’s progress, PM Modi praised the soldiers’ contribution toward building a developed nation. “Today, when we are moving so fast towards the goal of a developed India, you all are protectors of this dream,” he affirmed.
PM Modi celebrated Diwali with BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel at the Lakki Nala in Sir Creek area of Kutch, where he earlier in the day, paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia on National Unity Day. He also attended the parade, and witnessed an air show by the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team.