NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the ramparts of the Red Fort that the country’s army has responded in the same language to anyone who raised eyes on the sovereignty of the country from LOC to LAC. Respect for India’s sovereignty is supreme for us. PM Modi was addressing the country after hoisting the flag from the Red Fort on the occasion of 74th Independence Day. Prime Minister Modi said, ‘What our brave soldiers can do, what the country can do, the world has seen this in Ladakh. With our neighboring countries, whether they are connected to us by land or from the sea, we are connecting our relations with security, development and trust sharing. ‘
Prime Minister Modi said that one-fourth of the world’s population lives in South Asia. We can create untold possibilities of development and prosperity of such a large population with cooperation and participation. All the leaders of the countries of the region have an important responsibility towards the development and progress of this large mass group.
Describing the definition of neighbors, the Prime Minister said, “Today the neighbors are not only those who meet our geographical boundaries but also those who meet our hearts.” Where there is harmony in relationships, there is harmony. A large number of Indians work in many of these countries. Just as these countries helped Indians during the Corona crisis, the Indian government honored the request, for which India is grateful to them.
Prime Minister Modi said that our former ASEAN countries, which are also our maritime neighbors, also hold very special importance for us. India has a thousand years old religious and cultural relationship with them. The traditions of Buddhism also connect us to them.
Prime Minister Modi said that be it the Himalayan peaks or the islands of the Indian Ocean, today there is an unprecedented expansion of road and internet connectivity in the country.
He said, as much as India’s efforts are for peace and harmony, the same commitment is to strengthen its army for its security. India is now fully equipped for self-sufficiency in defense production. Our border and coastal infrastructure also have a big role in the security of the country.
Prime Minister Modi also announced the expansion of NCC from the ramparts of the Red Fort. He said that now the expansion of NCC will be ensured to 173 borders and coastal districts of the country. About 1 lakh new NCC cadets will be given special training under this campaign. In this also, about one-third of the daughters will be given this special training.
