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India capable of tackling any security challenge, says PM Modi in Independence Day speech

Modi also refers to surgical strikes, which “made the world acknowledge our power”

Updated on: Aug 15, 2017, 12:51:42 IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By , New Delhi
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India is capable of thwarting any challenge to its security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, praising the country’s security forces for “sacrificing their lives to protect this land”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects a guard of honour during the country's 71st Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects a guard of honour during the country's 71st Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)

Modi made the comments in his Independence Day speech that he delivered from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The PM also brought up last year’s ‘surgical strikes’ which, he said, made the “entire world acknowledge our power”.

His remarks come against the backdrop of a tense stand-off with China near Sikkim and heightened hostilities with Pakistan along the Line of Control in Kashmir.

“India’s security, our internal security is the top priority of our government. We are capable to thwart any challenges,” the PM said, while also referring to terrorism.

The PM spoke mostly about the achievements of his government in the last three years and his concept of New India.

While talks have almost collapsed with Pakistan after a series of terror attacks on Indian soil, India and China are locked in a border standoff at Doklam for more than two months.

His reference to the cross-border raids in September, when Indian forces destroyed multiple launch pads from where Pakistani militants are pushed into the county, drew cheers and applause from the audience.

  • Saubhadra Chatterji
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Saubhadra Chatterji

    Saubhadra Chatterji is Deputy Political Editor at the Hindustan Times. He writes on both politics and policies.

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