New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech on Saturday warned those who attempted to challenge sovereignty of the country and said that India will give befitting reply to them while fiercely combating “terrorism” and “expansionism”, reported the Indian Express.
Talking about the deadly clash between armies of India and China in Galwan Valley earlier this year — in which at least twenty Indian army personnel, and unspecified Chinese army personnel, were killed — Mr. Modi said: “Respect for India’s sovereignty is supreme for us. What our brave soldiers can do for this resolution, what the country can do, the world has seen this in Ladakh.”
“In the midst of such a disaster, there have been vicious attempts to challenge the country’s strength at the borders. But, from LOC to LAC, whoever raised his eyes on the sovereignty of the country, our brave soldiers have answered to him in his language,” PM said in an indirect reference to China’s aggression on Ladakh border, reported the newspaper.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of 74th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said, “When we embark upon an extraordinary journey to achieve an extraordinary target, multiple and unusual challenges come in our way.”
Without naming neighbours, Prime Minister said, “Be it terrorism or expansionism, India is fiercely combating today.” Talking about the country’s extended neighborhood, the Prime Minister said: “Neighbors are not only the countries with whom we share our geographical boundaries but those countries with whom we share cordial relations are also our neighbors. Where there is harmony in relationships.
We are connecting our relations with our neighbors, whether they are connected to us on land or from the sea, with the partnership of security, development and trust.”
“One-fourth of the world’s population lives in South Asia…All leaders of the countries in this region have an important responsibility towards the development and progress of this huge population,” he said.
