Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a surprise visit to Army troops in Ladakh, on Friday said the entire nation felt secure under their guard. "Your courage is higher than the heights where you are posted today. The bravery that you and your compatriots showed, a message has gone to the world about India’s strength," PM Modi said addressing the soldiers in Ladakh.
"Bharat Mata's enemies have seen your fire and fury. Your courage, your dedication to protect the valor and honor of India is incomparable. Your livelihood is not less than anyone in life," he said.
Days after a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in East Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached Leh to interact with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP. Modi is presently at one of the forward locations in Nimu where he interacted with personnel of the Army, Air Force and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
The prime minister claimed that his government has increased the expenditure on development of infrastructure in the border area by three times. "Age of expansionism is over, this is the age of development. History is witness that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back. Those who are weak can never initiate peace, bravery is a prerequisite for peace. Our resolve for 'atma nirbhar Bharat' becomes stronger because of you and your strong resolve," Modi said in his address to the armed forces in Ladakh.
"We are the same people who pray to the flute playing Lord Krishna, but we are also the same people who idolise and follow the same Lord Krishna who carries the 'Sudarshana Chakra'. I am looking at women soldiers in front of me. In the battlefield at the border, this view is inspiring... Today I speak of your glory," the prime minister added.
Modi one again paid respects to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting against Chinese forces in Galwan Valley in June.
He said the world has seen the victory of "our braves and their efforts towards peace", whenever the need arises, whether world wars or peace. "We have worked for the betterment of humanity."
Modi is accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat. Located at 11,000 feet, Nimu is among the toughest terrains, on the banks of river Indus and surrounded by the Zanskar range.