Close X
Friday, November 1, 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

Akali Dal to hold delegate session in Nov to prepare long-term agenda

Akali Dal to hold delegate session in Nov to prepare long-term agenda
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Tuesday decided to hold a three-day delegate session in November at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab to prepare the party's long-term agenda. The decision in this regard was taken at a meeting of the party’s core committee presided over by party President Sukhbir Badal.

Akali Dal to hold delegate session in Nov to prepare long-term agenda

India, US working to 'shape the future', write Blinken, Austin

India, US working to 'shape the future', write Blinken, Austin
The two top officials wrote in The Washington Post that President Joe Biden’s transformation of the US Indo-Pacific strategy and the results it has borne remain the “most important and least-told stories of the foreign policy strategy advanced by President Biden and Vice President Harris”.

India, US working to 'shape the future', write Blinken, Austin

PM Modi releases Big Bang Numbers on Indian economy

PM Modi releases Big Bang Numbers on Indian economy
The newsletter highlighted that India’s market cap has hit a record $5.5 trillion while the construction of the world’s highest tunnel was launched by the Prime Minister at Shinkun La on the state boundary between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.

PM Modi releases Big Bang Numbers on Indian economy

Paris Olympics: After historic win, wrestler Vinesh 100% focused on ‘important day’

Paris Olympics: After historic win, wrestler Vinesh 100% focused on ‘important day’
Vinesh Phogat made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final of an Olympic Games after she defeated Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman 5-0 in the semifinal of the 50 kg freestyle event here. Following the victory, which assured India their fourth medal at the Paris Olympics, Phogat seemed to be fully focused on the final against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt.

Paris Olympics: After historic win, wrestler Vinesh 100% focused on ‘important day’

India emerging as top affordable healthcare destination, global pharma leader: Minister

India emerging as top affordable healthcare destination, global pharma leader: Minister
Addressing the ‘Global MedTech Summit 2024,’ organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in the national capital, the minister spoke about the transformation in healthcare brought about in recent times.

India emerging as top affordable healthcare destination, global pharma leader: Minister

Mideast tensions: Air India suspends flights to and from Tel Aviv till Aug 8

Mideast tensions: Air India suspends flights to and from Tel Aviv till Aug 8
Amid growing tensions in parts of the Middle East, Air India on Friday announced to suspend flight operations to and from Tel Aviv till August 8 with immediate effect. The country’s flagship carrier operates four flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv on a weekly basis.

Mideast tensions: Air India suspends flights to and from Tel Aviv till Aug 8