Close X
Thursday, October 31, 2024
ADVT 
India

Your dedication shines like steel: PM Modi hails Indian soldiers

Darpan News Desk IANS, 31 Oct, 2024 11:52 AM
  • Your dedication shines like steel: PM Modi hails Indian soldiers

Kutch, Oct 31 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday continued his tradition of celebrating Diwali with the Indian armed forces. He spent the festival with soldiers at Lakki Nala in Gujarat's Sir Creek, where he lauded their dedication towards the nation.

Extending his warm wishes, PM Modi lauded the commitment and dedication of soldiers stationed at this challenging border area.

Greeting the soldiers with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," PM Modi began by extending Diwali greetings to them.

"On this sacred land near Sir Creek, it is my privilege to celebrate Diwali with you. When I celebrate with you, the joy of Diwali multiplies. This Diwali is special as Lord Ram has finally returned to his temple in Ayodhya," he said, noting the symbolism of this year's festival.

PM Modi also expressed his gratitude on behalf of India's 140 crore citizens, recognising the courage of the soldiers defending the nation in extreme conditions.

"You serve in regions where temperatures drop below zero in the mountains and where searing heat and desert storms test your resilience. Your dedication shines like steel, intimidating any enemy who attempts to challenge us," he said.

Lauding the Indian Navy's role in securing Gujarat's coast and countering anti-India conspiracies, PM Modi highlighted the strategic importance of Kutch, particularly during the 1971 War.

"This region has always been a target, yet India's forces have guarded it firmly. Today, with our Navy here, no adversary dares cast an eye on Sir Creek," he said.

The Prime Minister assured that India's borders were non-negotiable and recalled the past challenges of diplomatic efforts to take over Sir Creek, which he had opposed as Gujarat's Chief Minister.

"Our policies reflect the resolve of our armed forces, not the words of our enemies," he stressed.

PM Modi highlighted India's strides in modernising its Defence sector by emphasising on building an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Citing the inauguration of the C295 factory in Vadodara, he noted that India is now building indigenous submarines, aircraft carriers like Vikrant, and fighter jets such as Tejas.

"We are moving towards a self-reliant Defence sector. Our Defence exports have increased thirty-fold over the past decade," he said, commending the armed forces for creating a list of over 5,000 Defence items that will no longer be imported.

The Prime Minister also addressed the importance of drone technology as modern warfare evolves, stating, "Drone technology is now a vital tool for surveillance, Intelligence, and combat. India is advancing in this field, with predator drones being acquired and local startups manufacturing indigenous drones."

He underscored the ongoing integration of India's three armed forces under the Chief of Defence Staff, with efforts directed at establishing an Integrated Theater Command.

"I often say that there is one Army, one Air Force, and one Navy. However, when they conduct joint exercises, we see them as 111," he remarked.

Highlighting India's infrastructure improvements, PM Modi said that more than 80,000 kms of border roads have been built over the past ten years, along with strategic tunnels, such as the Atal Tunnel, to ensure connectivity in remote areas.

The Prime Minister spoke of the Vibrant Villages scheme, aiming to develop hamlets along India's borders.

"We have redefined these areas not as the last but as the 'first villages' of our nation. Our vision is to turn these into vibrant tourist zones, just like the Rann Utsav in Dhordo," he said, sharing plans to establish mangrove forests and economic zones in the region.

PM Modi concluded by sharing sweets with the personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy, and Air Force, bringing Diwali cheer to the remote and strategic area of Lakki Nala near Sir Creek, which has historically been a challenging border post under BSF vigilance.

 

MORE India ARTICLES

Rajasthan will become new destination for global companies: CM

Rajasthan will become new destination for global companies: CM
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma-led high-level delegation of the government of Rajasthan on Tuesday participated in the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Investor Roadshow in Munich (Germany) and invited German innovators and investors to set up units in the Rajasthan on the second day of its Germany visit.

Rajasthan will become new destination for global companies: CM

RG Kar protest: Minister, cop face protests following obstructions in human-chain

RG Kar protest: Minister, cop face protests following obstructions in human-chain
The tension broke out as the vehicle of the state fire services minister Sujit Bose suddenly arrived at the human-chain protest and started moving through that lane.

RG Kar protest: Minister, cop face protests following obstructions in human-chain

Heavy rains wreak havoc in Bengaluru, schools & colleges to remain closed on Wed

Heavy rains wreak havoc in Bengaluru, schools & colleges to remain closed on Wed
Heavy rains wreaked havoc in IT city Bengaluru on Tuesday leaving the famous Manyata Tech Park and low-lying areas inundated. The Bengaluru Urban District Commissioner has released an order directing all schools and colleges will remain closed on Wednesday as heavy rains are predicted to avoid any untoward incidents.

Heavy rains wreak havoc in Bengaluru, schools & colleges to remain closed on Wed

Adani Green Energy to defer $1.2 bn 20-year notes to after US elections

Adani Green Energy to defer $1.2 bn 20-year notes to after US elections
Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), Adani Group’s renewable arm and India’s largest renewable energy company, has deferred its $1.2 billion IG rated offering to after the US presidential elections on account of weak market conditions. The Hybrid RG comprises 1,840 MW operational wind solar hybrid assets, with an IG rating from Fitch and Moody’s ratings.

Adani Green Energy to defer $1.2 bn 20-year notes to after US elections

Air India Express flight lands safely after technical snag; probe ordered

Air India Express flight lands safely after technical snag; probe ordered
Shortly after takeoff, the flight encountered a technical issue and had to circle above the airport for more than two and a half hours before landing to reduce the aircraft's weight by burning off the fuel.

Air India Express flight lands safely after technical snag; probe ordered

Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derails in Tamil Nadu; many injured

Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derails in Tamil Nadu; many injured
A total of 13 coaches of the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derailed on Friday at Kavaraipettai near Chennai after ramming into a stationary goods train, an official said, adding that three coaches of the train caught fire after the derailment. Several passengers travelling on the train sustained injuries and were admitted to nearby hospitals.

Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derails in Tamil Nadu; many injured