'Because Of You, Our Country Can Sleep Peacefully': PM Modi Lauds Soldiers In Nowshera During Diwali Visit

"Everyone wants to spend their Diwali with family. I also want to do the same. That is why I am here today to celebrate Diwali with my family": PM Modi to troops in the Nowshera sector of J&K.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Nowshera | ANI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers and this year he went to the Nowshera Sector of Jammu and Kashmir to join festivities with the troops.

After PM Modi paid tributes to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty at Nowshera, he addressed the troops boosting their morale and showcasing the developing Indian defence technology and women's participation in the Army.   

During his address, PM Modi exclaimed: "Everyone wants to spend their Diwali with family. I also want to do the same. That is why I am here today to celebrate Diwali with my family."

He lauded the troops in the Nowshera sector of J&K and boasted that Indian soldiers are the "Suraksha kawach" of "Maa Bharti".

"It is because of you all that people of our country can sleep peacefully and there is happiness during festivals," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Taking a veiled dig and without naming anyone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that how in yesteryears, before the arrival of the BJP government at the Centre, "it used to take years together to procure defence equipment for the security forces."

Earlier, it used to take years together to procure defence equipment for the security forces. The commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector is the the only way to change old methods: PM Modi at Nowshera, J&K pic.twitter.com/O5aapqbpDb

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2021

Addressing troops in the Nowshera sector, PM Modi said that now India is focused on developing indigenous defence capabilities.

"Around 65% of the defence budget is being spent to procure arms and ammunition from within the country rather than relying on imports. India is itself developing Arjun Tanks, fighter jets like Tejas at home now," PM Modi said in his address to the troops during his visit on the occasion of Diwali.

"On the occasion of Vijayadashami seven new defence companies carved out of the Ordnance Factory Board were also dedicated to the nation," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said highlighting the immense focus on developing indigenous defence technology.

"The role of women in the area of security of the nation is touching newer heights. The women are being given a permanent commission in the army now. The doors of premier military institutions have also been opened for women now," PM Modi said at Nowshera.   

It fills every Indian with pride on the role this brigade played during the surgical strike: PM Modi to army jawans at Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir pic.twitter.com/LO1GTxSxRp

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2021

"For your sacrifices, your gallantry, each Indian will light at least one diya for you today on the occasion of Diwali," PM Modi added.