Prime Minister Narendra Modi Celebrates Diwali with Armed Forces at Indo-Pak Border in Kutch
On Thursday, October 31, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat’s Kutch district.
PM Modi, after arriving at Koteshwar in Kutch from Ekta Nagar, visited Lakki Nala in the Sir Creek area, where he celebrated the festival by distributing sweets to the soldiers, as confirmed by a BSF official. A video shared by officials showed the Prime Minister, dressed in a BSF uniform, offering sweets to the personnel aboard a patrol vessel.
Earlier that day, PM Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, marking the birth anniversary of India’s first Home Minister, observed as National Unity Day.
In his remarks, PM Modi stressed that India will never compromise on its territorial integrity, emphasizing that the nation’s armed forces inspire confidence in the public’s faith in its defense capabilities. He remarked that the military presence in the region signals the end of any enemy’s malicious intentions.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the region’s history of being targeted for conflict, assuring the soldiers that the nation’s security is in their hands. “We are not worried as you are guarding the nation. Our enemy knows this well,” he said, adding that India’s citizens feel safe because of the armed forces. “When the world sees you, it sees India’s strength; when enemies see you, they see the end of their sinister plans.”
PM Modi reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to national defense, emphasizing that it does not rely on adversaries’ words. Reflecting on past attempts to seize Sir Creek “in the name of diplomacy,” he recalled his opposition to such efforts as Gujarat’s Chief Minister.
The Prime Minister also addressed the recent disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops at two points of friction in eastern Ladakh, following a prolonged standoff along the Line of Actual Control.
Highlighting the significance of coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, PM Modi stated that their combined strength is far greater than individual efforts. He pointed to the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) role as a step toward better integration and announced that the government is working to establish an Integrated Theatre Command to enhance inter-force coordination.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of infrastructure development in border areas, noting that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed over 80,000 kilometers of roads, including critical strategic routes.
PM Modi also reiterated the government’s focus on modernizing the armed forces with cutting-edge technology to transform them into one of the most advanced military forces globally. He specifically mentioned the acquisition of Predator drones for all three military branches and the domestic drone manufacturing initiative as part of this modernization drive.
As India continues its journey toward becoming a developed nation, PM Modi reminded the soldiers that they are key to safeguarding this vision. He also spoke about Kutch’s growing tourism potential, linking border tourism with national security. He highlighted efforts to develop mangrove forests in the area, which will improve the ecosystem and attract tourists, similar to the Dhordo Rann Utsav in the White Rann, which draws visitors from around the world. PM Modi expressed confidence that Kutch will soon evolve into a tourist paradise.
