Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort in Delhi.(Reuters)
Reiterating his “mantra” of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) to face the economic challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech on Saturday warned those who attempted to challenge the sovereignty. He said India will give befitting reply to them while fiercely combating “terrorism” and “expansionism.”
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of 74th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said, “When we embark upon an extraordinary journey to achieve an extraordinary target, multiple and unusual challenges come in our way.”
“In the midst of such a disaster, there have been vicious attempts to challenge the country's strength at the borders. But, from LOC to LAC, whoever raised his eyes on the sovereignty of the country, our brave soldiers have answered to him in his language,” PM said in an indirect reference to China's aggression on Ladakh border.
“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,” he added.
Without naming Pakistan…
