PM Modi Takes A Swipe At China, Says Era Of Expansionism Is Over

Ladakh: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a loud message to China when he said that the courage our soldiers had demonstrated in confronting Chinese troops in the Ladakh region along Line of Actual Control (LAC) had sent a message to the entire world.

Addressing the soldiers in Ladakh, PM Modi said everyone across the country is talking about their valour.

“The enemy has seen your fire and fury as well. From Leh, Ladakh to Siachen and Kargil… and Galwan’s icy waters… every mountain, every peak is witness to the valour of Indian soldiers. You have given a befitting reply to people who attempted to conquer,” Modi told the soldiers in the address telecast live from Ladakh, reports The Hindustan Times.

Referring to the violent border clash at Galwan Valley last month, Modi paid tributes to the 20 Indian soldiers who had laid down their lives.

“Bravery and courage is a prerequisite for peace,” he said. “We are the same people who pray to the flute playing Lord Krishna but we are also the same people who idolise and follow the same Lord Krishna who carries the ‘Sudarshana Chakra’,” Modi said.

Without naming Beijing, Modi stated that times have changed and the era of expansionism was over. “This is the time for development, not expansion,” he said in an obvious reference to China’s attempt to encroach into Indian territory in Galwan valley and Pangong Tso and create fresh boundary disputes.

In a further jab, Modi said that the expansionist policies of some countries had affected world peace — another reference to China which has disputes with 21 neighbours.

“But history records that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back,” Modi said during his daylong visit to Ladakh.