INDIA PROVED ABILITY TO FIGHT ALL CHALLENGES LAST YEAR: MODI

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India last year showed it was capable of taking strong steps for its security, be it against Covid-19 pandemic or the border challenge. His comments come at a time when India and China are locked in a lingering border row in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control.

Speaking at the National Cadet Corps rally, the PM said whether it was in securing the protective cover of the vaccines against Covid or dealing with those who challenge India, the country showed its capability on every front. He also mentioned the Rafale fighter jets while talking about the military’s modernisation, saying the three fighter jets that landed in India on Wednesday were refueled midair by “India’s friend UAE, helped by Greece and Saudi Arabia.” He said it reflected India’s deepening ties with Middle East countries. Modi said the government has taken steps to boost self-reliance in the defence sector and India will be known as a producer of military equipment, instead of being a market.