‘India will give a fitting reply if tested’: PM Modi in Diwali speech at Longewala post

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to the soldiers at the strategic Longewala post in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, where he is celebrating Diwali with the armed forces. Wishing soldiers Diwali, PM Modi said, “I have brought the greetings of every Indian among you today.” 

“You may be at the snow-capped mountains or in deserts, my Diwali is complete only when I come amid you. My happiness doubles when I look at the joy on your faces,” the PM said. 

PM Modi said, “If someone tries to test us at the border, then the answer will be befitting.” The entire world feels troubled by “expansionist” forces and expansionism shows a “distorted mindset” that belongs to the 18th century, he said. 

The Prime Minister remembered the battle of Longewala saying, “Whenever history on the excellence of soldiers will be written and read, the Battle of Longewala will be remembered.”

“On the outskirts of the country, if the name of any one post will be remembered by most people of the country, many generations will remember, the name of that post is Longewala Post. On this post, your colleagues have written a story of valor that fills the heart of every Indian even today,” the 70-year-old said. 

Modi said, “1971 war against Pak example of exemplary coordination among Army, Navy and Air Force.” 

“I pay my tributes to sacrifices made by soldiers,” adding “India proud of our forces who protect our nation courageously. No force in world can prevent our soldiers from protecting our borders,” Modi added. 

In his address, the Prime Minister said, “I would like to implore three points to the armed forces. The first is to continue ingenuity by innovating; the second is to practice yoga and the third is to learn another language other than their mother tongue and English. This will help ingrain new perspectives & enthusiasm in them,” ANI reported.