As he spoke with soldiers in Kargil on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India has always seen war as a last choice. PM Modi is observing Diwali, often known as the festival of lights, with security personnel, as he does every year. He emphasised a number of topics throughout his speech, including the 1999 conflict in Kargil, “foreign and internal opponents for the country,” and growing self-reliance in the defence industry.
According to the report of Hindustan Times Pm said“Whether it was the battle of Kurukshetra or Lanka, war was always the last report,” Modi said, referring to Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. On Diwali, revelers mark the return of Lord Ram from Lanka. In his address, PM Modi linked the meaning of Diwali to Kargil. “Diwali is the festival of end of atank (terror), and Kargil made it happen. Kargil has never lost to Pakistan,” he stressed.
“Even as war has been the last resort for India, peace is not possible without defense capabilities,” he underlined. He also praised the Army, Navy and Air Forces for increasing self-reliance.
“I am glad that nearly 400 weapons would now be made in India, reducing our dependence on foreign nations. Our forces are increasingly turning to made-in-India weapons. From supersonic weapons to Light Weight Helicopters, India’s military might is growing. Today, the country is not only meeting its own needs but focusing on exports too,” PM Modi asserted. Not just pride but the made-in-India weapons “will also help Indian soldiers” have an element of surprise during battles, he further said.
He also said that his government – over the last eight years – has “worked with a focus on implementing reforms within the armed forces”. “We have opened positions in the forces for women. Nari Shakti (Women power) will strengthen our armed forces,”