In his Independence Day address to the nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi, Indian PM Narendra Modi said, “India has gained a new strategic strength in recent years and today our borders are more secure than ever.”
During the 77th Independence Day celebrations on 15 August, Modi reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring national security, and to achieve this, the Indian Armed Forces (IAF) are being modernised.
Military Reforms, Reduced Terror Attacks
Modi said several military reforms are being undertaken to make the IAF battle ready to deal with all future challenges.
The Indian PM further highlighted that there has been a drastic decline in the number of terror attacks in the country.
Had heartwarming interaction with youngsters at the Red Fort. Their boundless enthusiasm is a reminder of the bright future that awaits India. pic.twitter.com/Amf4oFoPoR
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2023
He noted, “There has been a big change in the Naxal-affected areas also, an environment of big change has been created.”
Modi underscored that when the country is peaceful and secure, new goals of development can be achieved.
India: A Voice of the Global South
“Today, India is becoming the voice of the Global South,” the Indian PM declared.
“India’s prosperity and heritage is becoming an opportunity for the world today.”
Modi remarked that the trinity of demography, democracy, and diversity has the potential to make every dream of India come true.
He further mentioned that India has organised and hosted G20 events in every corner of the country in the past year, making the world aware of the potential of the country’s common man and diversity.
“Today, my youth have given India a place in the world’s first three start-up eco-systems. The youth of the world is wondering, seeing this power of India.”
Solution to Manipur to Emerge Through Peace
Referring to the situation in the country’s northeastern state of Manipur, Modi said, “Last few weeks in North-East, especially in Manipur and also in some other parts of India, but especially in Manipur, many people lost their lives.”
“The honour of mothers and daughters was played with, but in the last few days, there are continuous reports of peace coming in, the country is with the people of Manipur,” he stressed.
देश आज पुरानी सोच को पीछे छोड़कर निरंतर नए लक्ष्यों को हासिल कर रहा है। ये नया भारत है, जो ना रुकता है, ना थकता है, ना हांफता है और ना ही हारता है। pic.twitter.com/OvauPjvcC0
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2023
Violence broke out in Manipur following a court decision to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community in the state. Following this, horrific incidents of violence against women were reported sending shockwaves throughout the country.
Modi remarked that the country should take forward the festival of peace that the people of Manipur have maintained for the last few days, and the way to a solution will emerge only through peace.
He added that the state and central government together are trying their best to solve those problems and will continue to do so.