The country and Indian Army have responded to belligerence on the borders in the language of the aggressor and Ladakh has given the world a demonstration of the capability of the Indian soldier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his seventh Independence Day address, from Red Fort, on Saturday last.
“From LoC to LAC, whoever has raised eyes on the sovereignty of the country .... the armed forces and the country have responded in the same language. Respect for India's sovereignty is supreme for us. What our brave soldiers can do for this resolution, what the country can do, the world has seen this in Ladakh,” Modi said.
The remark was seen as a reference to the Galwan Valley clashes where, according to the defence establishment, Indian jawans retaliated against the PLA’s aggression by inflicting many casualties on the Chinese side. PM Modi said despite recent adversities - a reference to the Covid-19 pandemic - there have been “misadventures” on the borders.
World has seen what our brave jawans can do
While he did not name either China or Pakistan, PM Modi referred to the threats of expansionism and terrorism, in that order, represented by the two hostile neighbours, saying that India’s tough stance has been appreciated. “Recently, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, 184 countries out of 192 supported India. This is a matter of great pride for every Indian. This is an example of how we have made our place in the world. And this is possible only when India itself is strong, India is powerful and safe,” he said.
The brief reference to the ongoing military standoff in Ladakh came as discussions to disengage at friction points and de-escalate are stalemated due to China’s refusal to pull back its troops despite several rounds of talks. The two sides are now digging in and Indian forces are preparing supplies to last through the winter.
“When we embark on an extraordinary journey with an extraordinary goal, the path will also be full of challenges and these challenges too are extraordinary. Notwithstanding the recent adversities, there have been misadventures along the border which threw a challenge to the country. But whoever tried to threaten the sovereignty of our country right from the LoC to the LAC, the army of the country, our brave soldiers have given a befitting reply,” he said.
Modi said, “The whole country is full of zeal, driven by conviction and moving forward with unwavering devotion to protect India’s sovereignty. The world has seen what our brave jawans can do in Ladakh...Today, I pay obeisance to all the brave men and soldiers who sacrificed their lives”.
In the rest of his speech, Modi expounded in detail on the theme of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the context of decisions such as curbs on defence imports that are to be indigenised, national infrastructure projects, a new education policy, development of Tejas fighters, a plan to connect all villages by fibre optical networks, and reforms in taxation and the MSME sector. India can’t continue to be an exporter of raw materials and receiver of finished goods, he said.
Modi also said that the beginning of the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya is a “peaceful culmination” of the age-old Ram Janambhoomi issue. “The citizens of India have shown exemplary restraint and wisdom, and acted responsibly... Peace, unity and harmony are going to be the strengths of self-reliant India.”
There was a pointed reference to the middle class as Modi reassured this vocal segment that the government has not lost sight of their needs. “Whether it is the agriculture sector, small-scale industries sector or the people in services sector, almost all these people, in a way constitute a huge middle class of India,” he said. The government is constantly working to fulfil dreams of the middle class. The middle class has the power to do miracles. So middle class families get the greatest benefits of ease of living. Cheap internet, affordable smartphones and flight tickets - all these things are going to increase the strength of the middle class,” he said. Home loan rates have become cheaper and funds have been set up to complete distressed projects, Modi added.
Self-reliant Bharat
while calling for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ Modi sought to pitch the country as a manufacturing hub, with “Make for World” as the mantra so that that local value additions help the country make the switch from a supplier of natural resources and raw materials and importer of finished products.
“Our country has plenty of natural resources. It is the need of the hour that we start the value addition of these natural resources and human resources; and to take the country to new heights. How long shall we continue to export raw material to the world? How long will the process of exporting raw material and importing finished goods continue? So, we will have to be self-reliant,” Modi said, while pointing to self-sufficiency in key food products such as wheat. In address to an industry chamber two months ago, he had called upon companies to play a big role in the global supply chain.
