(Above): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing Indian troops in Nimu, Ladakh, July 03. (PIB)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to Nimu in Ladakh to interact with Indian troops, July 3. Nimu is surrounded by the Zanskar range and is on the banks of river Indus. The Prime Minister met the top leadership of the Indian Army and later interacted with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP.

Tribute to the valor of the soldiers

Prime Minister Modi paid rich tributes to the valor of Indian Armed Forces, stating that their courage and devotion to Mother India is unparalleled. He stated that Indians can go about their lives peacefully because they know that the Armed Forces are standing firm, protecting the nation.

Modi said that due to the exemplary bravery of the Armed Forces in the recent weeks, the world has taken note of India’s strength.

Remembering the sacrifice at Galwan Valley

Prime Minister Modi remembered all the proud sons of Mother India who made the supreme sacrifice at the Galwan Valley. He said that those who were martyred belong to all parts of India and epitomize our land’s ethos of bravery.

He affirmed that be it Leh-Ladakh, Kargil or the Siachen Glacier, be it the high mountains or the icy cold water that flows in the rivers, these are testimony to the gallantry of India’s Armed Forces. The enemies of India have seen the fire and fury of our forces, said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister also paid homage to two maatas: Mother India, and the Mothers of all those brave soldiers and security forces of India who serve India with unparalleled diligence.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to the valor of the soldiers, during his visit to Nimu, in Ladakh, July 03. (PIB)

Our commitment to peace is not our weakness

Prime Minister Modi spoke at length about how the virtues of peace, friendship and courage have been a part of India’s culture since time immemorial. He recalled that India has always given a befitting reply to anyone who has tried to disturb the prevailing atmosphere of peace and progress.

He affirmed that India is committed to peace and friendship but this commitment to peace should not be seen as India’s weakness. Today India is becoming stronger, be it in naval might, air power, space power and the strength of our army. Modernization of weapons and upgradation of infrastructure has enhanced our defense capabilities multifold.

Prime Minister recalled that Indian soldiers had a long history of bravery and competence in global military campaigns, including in the two World Wars.

Era of development

Prime Minister said that the time for expansionism is over. This is the era of development. He recalled that it is this mindset of expansionism that did great harm.

He added that in the last few years, several steps have been taken for the wellbeing of India’s forces and furthering India’s security preparedness. This includes ensuring availability of modern weaponry, increased border infrastructure, border area development and expanding the roads network. He further shared that expenditure on border infrastructure has been enhanced three times.

Prime Minister also mentioned the efforts to strengthen the national security apparatus and to ensure the well-being of our armed forces. He highlighted recent initiatives of the government such as creation of CDS, construction of a grand National War Memorial, fulfilment of OROP after decades and steps to ensure the well-being of the families of the armed forces personnel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Army hospital, in Ladakh, July 03. (PIB)

Homage to the culture of Ladakh

During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi recalled the greatness of Ladakh’s culture as well as the noble teachings of Kushok Bakula Rimpoche. He described Ladakh as a land of sacrifice and a land that has given several patriots.

Prime Minister affirmed that the people of India are inspired by the teachings of Gautama Buddha, for whom courage was linked to conviction and compassion.