India is committed to ushering in peace at all times but not at the cost of compromising national sovereignty and self-respect, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday.
“India has never eyed someone else’s territory maliciously. This in itself was our commitment and dedication towards peace,” Prime Minister Modi said in his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme.
He also recalled the surgical strike carried out by the Army two years ago to destroy terror launch pads across the Line of Control, saying the troops hit back at the audacity of a proxy war under the garb of terrorism.
The comments come amid escalated attempts by Pakistan to push terrorists across the border and a recent incident when Pakistani forces mutilated the body of a Border Security Force soldier.
“It has now been decided our soldiers will give a befitting reply to whosoever makes an attempt to destroy the atmosphere of peace and progress in our nation,” he said.
The Prime Minister pointed out that India is one of the largest contributors of personnel to various United Nations Peacekeeping Forces.
“For decades, our brave soldiers wearing blue helmets have played a stellar role in ensuring maintenance of world peace,” he said.
As the three-day celebration to mark the second anniversary of surgical strike ended on Sunday, the Prime Minister said such events remind the youth of the glorious heritage of the army.
“It also inspires us to maintain the unity and integrity of the country,” he said.
He also praised the Air Force for its contribution in past wars the country has fought and for setting an example in ensuring gender equality.
PM Modi lauded Navy commander Abhilash Tomy’s courage in the high seas when his yacht was damaged in a vicious storm while he was participating in the Golden Globe Race.
“He fought to be afloat without food or drink. He did not accept defeat and continued to fight death. A rare example of courage, determination, strength and bravery,” Modi said.
GIFTS GUJ RS 7K-CR PROJECTS
- PM lays foundation stones of projects worth Rs 7,000 crore in home state Gujarat on Sunday
- Unveils Mundra LNG terminal in Anjar, several factories for Amul’s parent company in Anand, and Mahatma Gandhi Museum in Rajkot
- Also inaugurates a public housing project with 624 units
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