How surprise visit was executed

NEWDELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday declared that the “era of expansionism” is over, sending a strong signal to China about India’s determination to defend its borders, on a surprise unscheduled visit to Ladakh, the theatre of the tension between the neighbours.

In a speech to the troops, relayed live on television, the prime minister asserted that India has always wanted peace but this peace will come from strength; and paid glowing tributes to the bravery and courage of soldiers in the frontlines of the stand-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), with a particular reference to those who laid down their lives in the Galwan Valley clash on June 15.

Analysts described the visit as a clear message to Beijing, and one that would motivate troops.

Asserting that all of Ladakh was India’s pride and that people of Ladakh were patriots, and claiming that India had, for centuries, given a strong response to “aggressors” and had emerged stronger after each attack, Modi said that “enemies” had seen both the “fire and fury” of Indian soldiers.

The PM also spoke of the raft of decisions that had been taken to strengthen India’s defence apparatus and border infrastructure in recent years; quoted a wide range of Sanskrit, Tamil, and Hindi sayings to convey determination and resolve; and highlighted Buddha’s emphasis on courage as conviction and compassion.

NEWDELHI: On Friday, PM Narendra Modi surprised everyone when he landed up at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport at Leh to be briefed about operational preparedness of the Indian military against the aggressive Chinese army.

Accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Army chief General MM Naravane, Modi’s first stop was the XIV Corps headquarters at Nimu outside Leh. The decision to go to Leh was kept under wraps till he landed at the airport. Experts said Modi’s visit not only sent a signal to China that India will not surrender its territory but also reassured the local population.

PTI PM Narendra Modi gestures during his visit to interact with soldiers in Nimu, Ladakh, on Friday.