Modi’s strong message to China from Ladakh: Era of expansionism is over

By Naz Asghar

July 3, 2020

New Delhi: In a very strong and siginificant message to China from the border region of Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said expansionism has always posed a great threat to world peace but its time is now over , and an era of development has dawned.

Past experiencen has shown that those who went on expansionist drive had to bite the dust or had to bend, the Prime Minister said without naming China, addressing troops at forward post of Nimu in border territory of Ladakh.

Modi’s address comes amid the continuing tension with China in the eastern Ladakh where in Galwan valley, 20 India soldiers were brutally killed by Chinese troops on the night of June 15 and 16.

”In the past centuries, expansionism has brought death and destruction on humanity, and the forces that took this path became a threat for mankind. Such forces were either destroyed or had to finally bow before the forces of peace,” he said.

And it is because of this experience with expansionist ideologies that the whole world had now united against it, the Prime Minister added.

China immediately reacted to Modi’s warning, cautioning Indian against any action that may escalate the tension.  ” India and China are in communication and negotiations on lowering the temperatures through military and diplomatic channels,”  media reports quoted Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, as saying.

Modi in his  speech also  said India was making its defence capabilities strong as it wants capability to enforce peace, as it is a fact that the weak cannot initiate peace, and it is only the strong and the brave who can negotiate peace.

He saluted the bravery of the armed forces and said their commitment to defend their country was the foundation of their bravery and strength.

Prime Minister also paid tribute to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice at the Galwan Valley. He said that those who were martyred belong to all parts of India and epitomize the 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.

Modi dwelt at length on the virtues of peace, friendship and courage and said they 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 said India’s commitment to peace should not be seen as its weakness. Today India is becoming stronger in all arenas of warfare, naval, air power, space power and the army. Modernization of weapons and upgradation of infrastructure has enhanced its defence capabilities multifold.

Modi also recalled the long history of bravery and competence of Indian soldiers in global military campaigns, including in the two World Wars.

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

He added that in the last few years, several steps had been taken for to boost the country’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 the 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.

The Prime Minister, who reached Leh in the morning on a surprise visit earlier interacted with Indian troops. 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.

—India News Stream