Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (November 14) addressed the soldiers posted at the Longewala post of Jaisalmer on Diwali. The Longewala post is a strategic post on the western border where the first major battle of the 1971 war, known as the Battle of Longewala, was fought.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General MM Naravane and Border Security Force DG Rakesh Asthana also accompanied the prime minister.

 

* "Whenever the valour of our soldiers is talked about, Battle of Longewala will be remembered. Our soldiers gave a befitting reply to Pakistani soldiers in that battle. The Battle of Longewala proved that no one can stand in front of the combined might of Indian forces."

* "World now understands that this nation won't compromise with its interests, not at any cost. This repute & stature of India is all due to your strength and valour. India is clearly presenting its opinions on international fora today because you've secured the nation"

* "Today the whole world is troubled by expansionist forces. Expansionism is, in a way, a mental disorder and reflects 18th-century thinking. India is also becoming a strong voice against this thinking."

* "India is proud of our forces who protect our nation courageously."

* "Today India kills terrorists & their leaders by entering their homes. World now understands that this nation won't compromise with its interests, not at any cost. This repute & stature of India is all due to your strength & valour."

* "Today the strategy of India is clear. Today's India believes in the policy of understanding and making others understand. But if attempts are made to test us, the reply they receive is intense."

* "Be it Himalayan heights or the expanse of the desert or dense forests or depths of the sea, your valour has dealt with every challenge."

* "I would like to implore 3 points to the armed forces. First is to continue ingenuity by innovating; second is to practice yog; third is to learn another language other than their mother tongue & English. This will help ingrain new perspectives and enthusiasm in them"

* I come before you with blessings and wishes of every Indian. Today, I also extend my heartiest Diwali wishes to the brave mothers and sisters and children and salute their sacrifices"

* "130 Crore Indians are standing with you. Every Indian is proud of the strength and valour of our soldiers. They are proud of your invincibility. No power in the world can stop our brave soldiers from guarding the borders of our country."

* "With wearing masks these days due to Covid-19, people are realising the difficulty & the resilience it takes to dawn military gear and serve postings in difficult conditions. This realisation is making our countrymen resolve to be more disciplined"

* "You may be at the snow-capped mountains or in deserts, my Diwali is complete only when I come amid you. My happiness doubles when I look at the joy on your faces."