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India never been hungry for land, has not attacked, coveted any country: PM Modi

In first public speech after surgical strike, PM says Indians have laid down their lives for others

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Amid growing concerns of escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan following the surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the world community on Sunday that India has never attacked any other country nor coveted anyone's territory.

"India has never been hungry for land nor has it attacked anyone or coveted anyone's territory. Instead its people have given life for others," Modi said after inaugurating the Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra in New Delhi that coincided with Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary.

"We are a nation that has laid down lives for others. During the two World Wars, more than 1.5 lakh Indians became martyrs. Unfortunately, we have not been very effective in telling this to the world," said the PM.

It was PM Modi's first address after the surgical strikes by Indian forces last week. Though Pakistan has termed the surgical strikes as cross-border firing, it has banned low-level flying over its airspace. Civilian aircraft that uses Pakistani airspace to fly to the US, Europe and the Gulf would now have to fly above 33,000 feet above Karachi, and above 29,000 feet above Lahore, suggesting that lower levels of airspace have been reserved for Pakistani fighter jets.

India too has ordered villagers living close to the border in Punjab and Jammu to vacate and has deployed its troops in a state of alert. Projecting India as a country that has gained a lot of goodwill at the global level under the current regime because of its contribution in times of exigencies, PM Modi asked the Indian diaspora to work as ambassadors of India and help increase tourism potential.

He also exhorted them to transform brain drain into brain gain by increasing their touch with the motherland by contributing in whatever way they can.

He inaugurated the Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, which will serve as a connect between people of the India diaspora with their Indian roots. The newly built complex has a state-of-the-art auditorium, convention centre, restaurants, library, museum, 24 guest rooms and dedicated staff to help and facilitate overseas Indians.

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