PM Modi addresses soldiers in Ladakh, salutes their bravery
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the soldiers in Nimu, Ladakh, where he paid a visit for the first time since last month's Galwan Valley clash. Sending a strong message to China, which is yet to acknowledge its casualties, he said to troops, "Your valor is unparalleled, higher than the mountains you patrol. Your determination is stronger than the rocks you stand."
He told troops enemies have seen their "fire and fury"
In a passionate speech, PM Modi said India wants peace but is well equipped to defend itself. "We worship bansuri-playing Krishna and sudarshan-dhari Krishna too," he said, referring to Indian mythology. Asserting that enemies of India have seen soldiers' fire and fury, he added, "Those who are weak can never initiate peace, bravery is a prerequisite for peace."
You inspire India, we will win every battle: PM Modi
PM Modi told the soldiers they inspire Indians every day. "You help them become self-reliant. The valor shown by you has shown India's strength on the global front," he went on. He added that it was also inspiring to see women soldiers at the border. The BJP leader, whose visit came as a surprise, told the soldiers, "We will win every battle."
Without mentioning China, he said "age of expansionism" is over
Though he didn't mention China explicitly, PM Modi said the age of "expansionism is over." "This is the age of development. History is witness that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back," he said. He also mentioned infrastructure projects and said India's position has never been better. He spoke about newer technologies and about preparing armed forces for any eventuality.
You can watch his speech here
PM has maintained not one inch of land was lost
Last month, in his first response to the Galwan Valley clash, PM Modi had said no one was able to acquire even one inch of India's land. To recall, China has been opposing India's infrastructure projects along LAC since May. The situation worsened on June 15, when rather than retreating to their original posts, PLA troops attacked Indian soldiers. 20 soldiers were martyred.
On PM's visit, China said no one should "escalate situation"
Earlier in the day, China commented on PM Modi's visit saying none of the parties must engage in actions that could escalate the situation. The spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Zhao Lijian, said, "India and China are in communication and negotiations on lowering the temperatures through military & diplomatic channels." Experts believe de-escalation won't happen soon, and the stand-off could continue till winters.
