PM visits Nimu in Ladakh to interact with Indian
troops
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi travelled to
Nimu in Ladakh to interact with Indian 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.
Tribute to the valour of the
soldiers
Prime Minister paid rich tributes to the
valour of our Armed Forces, stating that their courage and devotion to
Mother India is unparalleled. He stated that Indians can go about their
lives peacefully because they know that our Armed Forces are standing
firm, protecting the nation.
Prime Minister said that due to the exemplary bravery of
the Armed Forces in the recent weeks, the world has taken note of
India’s strength.
Remembering the sacrifice at Galwan
Valley
Prime Minister remembered all the proud sons
of Mother India who made the supreme sacrifice at the Galwan Valley. He
said that those who were martyred belong to all parts of India and
epitomize our
land’s ethos of bravery.
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, said the Prime
Minister.
Prime Minister also paid homage to two Matas:
to Mother India and to the Mothers of all those brave soldiers and
security forces of India who serve India with unparalleled
diligence.
Our commitment to peace is not our
weakness
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. He recalled that India
has always given a befitting reply to anyone who has tried to disturb
the prevailing atmosphere of peace and progress.
He 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.
Prime Minister recalled that Indian soldiers had a long
history of bravery and competence in global military campaigns,
including in the two World Wars.
Era of development
Prime Minister said that the time for expansionism is
over. This is the era of development. He recalled that it is this
mindset of expansionism that did great harm.
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. He further shared that expenditure on border infrastructure
has been enhanced three times.
Prime Minister also mentioned the efforts to
strengthen the national security apparatus and to ensure the well-being
of our armed forces. He 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.
Homage to the culture of Ladakh
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 Gautama Buddha, for whom courage
was linked to conviction and compassion.
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