Kutch : On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Diwali with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stationed in the Kutch district, near India’s border with Pakistan. This visit is the first time Modi has celebrated Diwali in Kutch since becoming Prime Minister, a gesture highlighting his commitment to honoring India’s security forces. Modi’s connection to Kutch goes back over two decades; in 2002, he celebrated Diwali with earthquake survivors in Bhachau’s Chobari village, bringing warmth and encouragement to those affected.
While celebrating with the BSF soldiers, Modi expressed heartfelt sentiments, saying, “If I celebrate Diwali with you, my Diwali will be sweeter many times.” He emphasized the special nature of this Diwali, particularly noting the reinstallation of Lord Rama in Ayodhya’s newly inaugurated temple after a 500-year wait. Modi extended warm Diwali wishes to all soldiers stationed across the country, underscoring his gratitude for their service and dedication to safeguarding the nation.
For more than a decade, Modi has spent Diwali with India’s soldiers, reinforcing his commitment to honoring the country’s military forces. This year marks the eleventh consecutive Diwali that Modi has celebrated with the armed forces. Addressing the soldiers, he shared that he feels privileged to be with them on this special day and conveyed his admiration for their courage, especially under challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister highlighted the strategic importance of Kutch and Gujarat’s coastal regions, noting that these areas are critical defense zones due to frequent anti-India threats. Modi commended the soldiers for their resilience, referencing their pivotal role during the 1971 war and emphasizing the strength of India’s defenses. “Our soldiers have performed their best in difficult times,” he stated, adding that Kutch’s presence at the border deters adversaries from attempting to threaten India’s sovereignty.
Modi also spoke about the government’s commitment to border security and territorial integrity. “There is a government in the country today which cannot negotiate even an inch of our land,” he said. He expressed pride in how the current administration aligns its policies with the vision and needs of the armed forces, prioritizing national security.
Discussing India’s defense advancements, Modi highlighted efforts to modernize the military, equipping it with state-of-the-art technology. He emphasized the transition from being an arms-importing nation to one that exports defense equipment globally. “Our defense exports have increased 30 times in the last ten years,” he noted, attributing this growth to the government’s self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) campaign. Modi commended the armed forces for their role in this vision, explaining that over 5,000 military items have been identified to stop being imported, boosting India’s domestic defense industry.
