Modi addresses Army Jawans and officers in Srinagar

He visited the Badami Bagh Army Cantonment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the Badami Bagh Army Cantonment in Srinagar.

He addressed the Army Jawans and officers. Praising the valour and courage of the soldiers, the Prime Minister asserted that self-reliance in defence manufacturing was essential for the security (aatma-raksha) of the nation.

Praising the Indian defence forces, Prime Minister said that strong armed forces were necessary for an atmosphere of peace, amity, harmony and brotherhood in the country, and this was the foundation on which India would achieve new heights of development. Therefore, Modi said, he accorded highest priority to modernization of the defence forces.

He further said that today the world was looking at India with hope, and we could interact on equal terms with all developed countries.

Modi said the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness of the defence forces was an inspiration for all Indians. He added that this spirit would ensure them victory at all times. He said the people of India trusted them and believed that no power on earth could defeat them.

The Prime Minister reiterated his Government's commitment to building a National War Memorial, in memory of soldiers who had laid down their lives for the motherland. He said the welfare of the armymen and their families was the concern and collective responsibility of all Indians, and his Government would take all good decisions in the interest of the jawans.

Earlier, the Prime Minister paid homage at the martyrs memorial at Badami Bagh cantonment. He also wrote in the visitors' book at the memorial, and visited the nearby 1200 year old Shiva Temple.