During his visit to Nimu in Ladakh on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the Indian troops. Prime Minister (PM) Modi first interacted with soldiers from the Army, Air Force and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), sitting in a camouflage tent and later addressed the troops and appreciated them for their unparalleled bravery. This visit is significant to uplift the morale of the soldiers as well as to send a strong message to China. The situation between India and China has been tensed for few weeks now and the visit was to access the same situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Leading from the front.

Prime Minister Shri @NarendraModi Ji with our brave and courageous personnel of Army, Air Force & ITBP at a forward location in Ladakh.

This visit of honourable PM will surely boost the morale of our valorous soldiers. #ModiInLeh pic.twitter.com/UCvqyXdwtu

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 3, 2020

"Our enemies have seen your fire and your fury, and the world has taken note of India’s strength due to the exemplary bravery of our Armed Forces in the recent weeks," said the PM as he addressed the XIV Corps of the Army in Leh that is called the Fire and Fury Corps.The violent face-off between the soldiers of the Indian and Chinese army happened on June 15-16, 2020 in Galwan Valley where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. This happened during an attempt by the Chinese troops to unilaterally change the status quo during the de-escalation in eastern Ladakh.

“Those who are weak can never initiate peace, bravery is a pre-requisite for peace. We are the same people who pray to the flute playing Lord Krishna but we are also the people who idolise and follow the same Lord Krishna who carries the 'Sudarshana Chakra',” said Modi.

Modi stated that the bravery of 14 Corps will be talked about everywhere, the tales of their bravery and valour is echoing in every house in the country and every Indian’s head bows before its brave saviours.

"Every single Indian across the world, especially in India, has the belief that you all can deliver and keep the nation strong and safe. Your courage is higher than the heights where you are stationed today. Your arms are as strong as the mountains that surround you. Your confidence, determination and belief are as immovable as the peaks here. The determination of a self-reliant India gets strengthened from your sacrifice and courage," said Modi adding that the bravery that you and your compatriots showed, a message has gone to the world about India’s strength.

Remembering all the proud sons of Mother India who made the supreme sacrifice at the Galwan Valley, Modi also said that those who were martyred belong to all parts of India and epitomise 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.

Applauding the participation of women in the Indian Army, Modi said that the view of women soldiers on the battlefield at the border is inspiring. "I am looking at women soldiers in front of me. On the battlefield at the border, this view is inspiring. Today I speak of your glory and commend you." He also paid homage to mother India and to the mothers of all those brave soldiers and security forces of India who serve the country with unparalleled diligence.

Talking about this being the time of development, Prime Minister also said, “The time for expansionism is over. This is the era of development. It is this mindset of expansionism that did great harm. Expansionist forces posed grave threats to world peace and humanity in the last century. However, history is witness that such powers have either been defeated or have been made to bend. The world stands united against expansionism today.”

PM recalled that Indian soldiers had a long history of bravery and competence in global military campaigns. This land boasts of several stories of bravery and gallantry of Indian soldierswhether it is about World Wars or peace, whenever the need arises, the world has seen the victory of India’s braves and their efforts towards peace. “You are the hero of the earth, who has responded to the attacks and atrocities of many invaders for thousands of years.”

Peace and power

Further hinting on establishing peace, Prime Minister 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 also affirmed that India is committed to peace and friendship but this commitment to peace should not be seen as India’s weakness. “Those who are weak can never initiate peace, bravery is a pre-requisite for peace. We are the same people who pray to the flute playing Lord Krishna but we are also the people who idolise and follow the same Lord Krishna who carries the 'Sudarshana Chakra',” said Modi. He further added that power is the condition to bring peace and India is widening its powers on land, air and water and this is for the welfare of mankind.

Modernisation of weapons and upgradation of infrastructure has enhanced our defence capabilities multifold. He underlined that the expenditure on border infrastructure has been enhanced three times.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.

Glimpses from PM Shri @narendramodi’s visit to Nimu forward post in Ladakh. pic.twitter.com/haiayuJZve

— BJP (@BJP4India) July 3, 2020

Talking about this being the time of development, Prime Minister also said, “The time for expansionism is over. This is the era of development. It is this mindset of expansionism that did great harm. Expansionist forces posed grave threats to world peace and humanity in the last century. However, history is witness that such powers have either been defeated or have been made to bend. The world stands united against expansionism today.”

During the interaction, PM even 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. “This land in Ladakh is India’s crown. It has given several brave hearts to the nation,” Modi said.

He also mentioned how Lord Buddha has said that courage is related to commitment. “Courage is compassion. Courage is that which teaches us to stand on the side of truth, fearlessly and steadfastly.”PM affirmed that the people of India are inspired by the teachings of Gautama Buddha, for whom courage was linked to conviction and compassion.

PM interacts with injured soldiers

PM Modi also visited a hospital where several soldiers wounded in the clash are recovering. He paid his respects to them and their mothers as well as infused them with encouragement.

“A message has gone to the world about the valour shown by your bravery. You proved that our country has never bowed down and will never bow down. The way you stood up to the powers, the world wishes to know who these braves are. What is their training? What is their sacrifice? The world is analysing the display of your courage. You are an inspiration,” he said.

Interacting with our brave Jawans, who do everything to protect our nation. https://t.co/704f7Q9Fu4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2020

He also added that the braves who left us, didn’t depart without reason. “All of you gave a befitting reply. Your bravery, the blood you shed will inspire our youth and countrymen for generations.”