If tested, India will give befitting reply: PM Modi in Diwali address to soldiers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said no power in the world can stop India's brave soldiers from guarding the borders of the country while adding that today, every Indian is proud of the strength and bravery of their soldiers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reached Rajasthan's Jaisalmer border to celebrate Diwali with the Armed Forces, in continuation of his set tradition since he took over as the Prime Minister of India in 2014.

PM Modi addressed soldiers at Longewala in Jaisalmer on the occasion of Diwali. "I would like to extend my Diwali greetings. I would like to wish all our security forces on the occasion of Diwali. This country is happy and we are celebrating festivals because of your existence," said PM Modi. 

"You may be at the snow-capped mountains or in deserts, but my Diwali is complete only when I am with you all. My happiness doubles when I look at the joy on your faces. I have brought the greetings of every Indian among you today." he added.

"Be it the peaks of the Himalayas, the stretch of desert, dense forests or the depths of seas - your valour has always triumphed in every challenge. Whenever history on the excellence of soldiers will be written and read, the Battle of Longewala will be remembered," PM Modi said.

"Today the world is understanding that this country is not going to compromise its interests at any cost. This status of India, this stature is due to your power. You have secured the country, that's why India today speaks vigorously on the global fora," he added.

The Prime Minister further stated, today the whole world is troubled by the expansionist forces. "Expansionism is, in a way, a mental disorder and reflects 18th-century thinking. India is also becoming a strong voice against this thinking. 
Recently our forces had decided that they will not ship more than 100 weapons and equipment from abroad," said PM Modi.

PM Modi called upon the youth of the country to build themselves for the army while adding that in recent times, many start-ups have come forward to cater to the needs of the forces.

"New start-ups of youth in the defence sector will take the country further in terms of self-reliance," he added. "Today India's strategy is clear. Today's India believes in the policy of understanding and explaining, but if we try to do it, the answer is equally fierce," said PM Modi.

Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, Army Chief MM Naravane and Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Rakesh Asthana also accompanied the Prime Minister at the border during this Diwali celebration.

This Diwali celebration programme is being held at Longewala, the Thar desert of Rajasthan. It is originally a BSF Post and a strategic point en-route to capturing vast tracts of land and also a pivotal theatre of war in engaging India on the western front during the 1971 India-Pakistan War.

About 100 BSF troops along with Army troops will participate in the Diwali celebrations.

Last year, the Prime Minister had visited Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district to celebrate Diwali with the army men guarding the Line of Control (LoC).

(With agency inputs)