Modi: Befitting response to those who eyed India’s soil

■ ‘Self-reliant country will be a real tribute to our martyrs’

India has given a befitting response to those who dared to eye its territory in Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday, referring to the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 soldiers were killed. In this context, he also spoke of the economic backlash against China, mentioning how people have decided to boycott Chinese goods and how it will contribute to an Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

“Those who eyed Indian territory in Ladakh have received a befitting response,” Mr Modi said in his monthly Mann ki Baat radio address. “If India knows how to maintain friendship, it can also confront someone and give an adequate response. Our brave soldiers made it clear that they will not allow anyone to taint the honour of Mother India,” he added.

Paying tribute to the 20 Armymen killed in the violent standoff with the People’s Liberation Army earlier this month, Mr

Modi also said India’s brave soldiers had shown they won’t allow the nation’s pride to be hurt.

The PM’s strong words in his monthly broadcast came amid a standoff between Indian and Chinese armies in eastern Ladakh, with the Opposition Congress constantly attacking the Centre over the issue.

He also made a vigorous push for the use of locally made products, saying being “vocal for local” is also a way to strengthen the country and to serve it. Mr Modi said India’s aim is to become selfreliant. Its tradition is trust and friendship and its spirit is brotherhood. “We will keep moving ahead abiding by these principles,” he said.

The PM felt a self-reliant India would be a real tribute to the slain troops: “We should strive towards enhancing our capabilities and capacities in safeguarding borders. A self-reliant India will be a tribute to our martyrs in the truest, deepest sense.”