Modi said, without naming any country, that the whole world is concerned about “expansionist” forces.
In keeping with his practice of spending time with soldiers on Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the troops in Longewala Post on Saturday in which he stated that India will give “prachand jawab” (fierce response) if provoked.
Modi said, without naming any country, that the whole world is concerned about “expansionist” forces and expansionism shows a “distorted mentality” that belongs to the 18th century.
“India believes in the policy of understanding others and making them understand, but if you try to prove it, the country will give a fierce response,” he said. His message comes amid the ongoing confrontation with China on the Ladakh border.
“No force in the world can prevent our soldiers from protecting our borders,” he said, adding that India has shown that it has the strength and political will to give an adequate response to those who challenge it.
“The world now knows that India will not compromise one iota with its interests,” he said.
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Referring to his custom of celebrating Diwali with soldiers since taking office in 2014, Modi said his determination to serve and protect the country is strengthened by spending more time with them.
He also urged the troops to innovate, practice yoga and learn an Indian language that they do not know from their colleagues.
On the occasion, he recalled the fierce fighting the post had witnessed in the 1971 war against Pakistan and paid tribute to Brig Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, a hero of the battle, saying that he went “rashtra deep” with his feat of bravery.
The war was also an example of exemplary coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force, he said.
India had defeated Pakistan in the war, which led to the independence of Bangladesh.
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