Sending out a clear message to Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said victory in the Kargil war was a symbol of India’s might and its security will remain impregnable with dedication of the armed forces.
Speaking at an event marking 20th anniversary of Kargil war, he said some countries were resorting to proxy war to spread terrorism and that time has come for united global efforts to deal with it. “Kargil victory was symbol of India’s might, determination and capability,†Modi said, in presence of a large number of military personnel and ex-servicemen at the event here.
“Wars are fought not by governments but by the whole country. Kargil victory still inspires the whole country...Kargil was victory of every Indians,†he added.
Modi said Pakistan tried to redraw the boundaries in 1999 through the Kargil misadventure but the Indian security forces defeated its evil design.
“I had visited Kargil when war was at its peak. It was like pilgrimage to me,†he said. Modi said the nation’s security has been impregnable and it will remain so. On modernisation of the armed forces, the prime minister said time has come for ensuring jointness among the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. “Development is possible only if country is secure... We will not come under any pressure when it comes to national security,†he said.
He said modernisation of defence forces was a key priority for his government.
On Friday, Prime Minister Modi had recalled his visit to Kargil in 1999 during the India-Pakistan war and described as "unforgettable" his interactions with the soldiers. On the 20th anniversary of the conflict, PM Modi had tweeted, "During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers. This was the time when I was working for my Party in Jammu and Kashmir as well as Himachal Pradesh. The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable."
July 26 is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas every year to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil conflict.
Highlights of PM Modi's speech:
8.24 pm: When I go to Israel, they show me the memorial of how Indian soldiers liberated Haifa. The sacrifice of Indian soldiers cannot be forgotten: PM Modi.
8.23 pm: Our government has launched many schemes for soldiers and their families: PM Modi.
8.22 pm: Today the wars have reached the space. Wars are fought even in cyber world today. So, modernisation of defence forces is not only a necessity but also our priority. Modernisation should be the identity of our defence forces.
8.20 pm:Â We are developing infrastructure in areas adjoining to border areas: PM Modi.Â
8.18 pm: Today, the face of war has changed. Today, the world is witnessing 'proxy wars', which have become a global menace: PM Modi speaks about countries propagating terror from their soil, at the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorative event.
8.16 pm: We are committed to mordernise our army: PM Modi.
8.15 pm: There are countries who are providing safe haven to terrorism, says PM Modi slamming Pakistan.Â
8.15 pm:Â Pakistan hatched many plots over Kashmir. And in 1999, we decimated its plot. Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji had said, 'they thought India would protest, the world would oppose violence, & as per Pakistan's hopes, borders would be redrawn. But we gave an answer': PM Modi
8.14 pm:Â I had gone to Kargil 20 years ago when war was at its peak, the enemy was playing its games sitting on high peaks. Death was staring in the face yet our jawans carrying the tricolor wanted to reach the valley before anyone: PM Modi.Â
8.12 pm: India has never initiated war. We have always preached for peace and santity: PM Modi.
8.11 pm: I salute the valour of mothers who gave birth to our bravehearts: PM Modi.
8.09 pm:Â On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I salute the braves who made sure that the conspiracy to take down our Tri-colour from the peak of Kargil was foiled: PM Modi.
8.07 pm:Â In Kargil victory was the victory of bravery of our sons & daughters. It was victory of India's strength & patience. It was victory of India's sanctity & discipline. It was victory of every Indian's expectations: PM Modi
8.06 pm: I visited Kargil when the war was at its peak: PM Modi.Â
8.02 pm: Its not the government who fights the war but the whole country: PM Modi.
8.00 pm:Â 20 days ago, the victory that was scripted on the icy heights of Kargil will continue to inspire us: PM Modi.
7.58 pm: I pay my tributes to brave soldiers who laid their lives during Kargil war.
7.57 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorative function.
7.41 pm: Bollywood Singer Mohit Chauhan pays tribute to Kargil hero.
7.25 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) stadium for Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorative function.
7.22 pm: The 20th anniversary of ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ was celebrated on Friday. Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, and others paid homage to the martyrs of the Kargil war and laid wreaths at the ‘Victory at Sea’ war memorial.
7.21 pm:Â
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