PM celebrates Diwali with soldiers in Nowshera, says they are “living security shield of the country
BUNTY MAHAJAN
NOWSHERA, NOVEMBER 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India must enhance its military capabilities in line with the changing landscape and the modes of war.
Addressing Indian Army jawans on the occasion of Diwali, second in border Rajouri district since 2019, he said that unlike past when wars used to be fought on horses and elephants and when it used to take decade in changing the modes of war, technology is bringing changes so fast that if there is one mode of war in the morning, it is another by evening. Today war is not limited to operations, but there has to be coordination in integrated military leadership and technology especially the use of hybrid technology which can make a huge difference, he said, adding that appointment of Chief of Defence Staff and the setting up of Department of Military Affairs are steps in that direction.
He remarked that connectivity in border areas from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, from Jaisalmer to Andaman Nicobar has been established with modern infrastructure including wider roads, tunnels and optical fiber leading to unprecedented improvement in the infrastructure and convenience for soldiers. This is going to further strengthen the defence forces, he added.
Praising the Army Brigade stationed in Nowshera for their role in the surgical strike and recalling the moment when all the brave soldiers returned safely, PM said Nowshera’s history celebrates the bravery of India and its present is the embodiment of the bravery and determination of the soldiers. The region has stood strongly against the aggressor and encroachers, he said.
He paid rich tribute to the heroes of Nowshera, Brigadier Usman and Naik Jadunath Singh who made the supreme sacrifice for defending the motherland. He saluted Lieutenant R R Rane and other bravehearts who set unprecedented examples of valour and patriotism.
The Prime Minister also described his feelings for taking blessings of Shri Baldev Singh and Shri Basant Singh who supported armed forces steadfastly. He also praised the Brigade stationed there for their role in the surgical strike. He recalled the moment of relief when all the brave soldiers returned safely from the strike.
He described the soldiers as “living security shield of the country’’, adding that everybody is not fortunate to serve the country as is being done by these brave sons and daughters of the country.
From Nowshera, PM also greeted the countrymen for Diwali and other upcoming festivals such as Goverdhan Puja, Bhaiyya Dooj and Chatth Pooja. He also wished people of Gujarat for their new year.
Modi also said that earlier the country had to depend mostly on imports in the defence sector but with his government’s attempts indigenous capabilities have gotten a boost. He hailed the courage of soldiers and said their capability and strength has ensured peace and security for the country. “I want to spend Diwali with family members, so I join you on this festival,” he said.
He also talked about the growing Aatmnirbharta in defence resources as opposed to earlier period of dependence on the foreign countries. He said 65 per cent of the Defence Budget is being used inside the country. A list of 200 products, a positive list, that will be procured only indigenously has been prepared.
The list is going to be expanded soon, he said. He also talked of the 7 new Defence companies launched on Vijaya Dashmi as the old ordnance factories will now make specialized sector specific equipment and ammunition.
Defence Corridors are also coming up . India’s youth is involved in vibrant defence related start ups. All this will strengthen India’s position as defence exporter, he said.
Modi also said that earlier the country had to depend mostly on imports in the defence sector but with his government’s attempts indigenous capabilities have gotten a boost.
He hailed the courage of soldiers and said their capability and strength has ensured peace and security for the country.
“I want to spend Diwali with family members, so I join you on this festival,” he said.
