‘Age Of Expansionism Is Over,’ PM Modi Launches Salvo At China From Ladakh | Key Takeaways From His Address

'The world has seen the victory of our braves and their efforts towards peace,' said PM Modi in a stirring speech to the Indian soldiers at Leh.

PM Narendra Modi addresses the Indian troops during his visit to the forward post at Nimu in Ladakh. (Image: PTI)

PM Modi In Leh: In a thundering message to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the age of expansionism is over, targeting the country for its expansionist behaviour in the region. PM Modi was addressing Indian soldiers in Nimmoo, Ladakh during his sudden visit to the forward area, sending a strong message to China amid the ongoing border dispute between the two countries. "From Leh, Ladakh to Siachen and Kargil...and Galwan's icy waters...every mountain, every peak is witness to the valour of Indian soldiers," said PM Modi to boost the morales of the soldiers posted along the Ladakh border. Here are the key points from PM's speech in Leh:

• The bravery that you and your compatriots showed, a message has gone to the world about India’s strength. Your courage is higher than the heights where you are posted today.
• The bravery of 14 Corps will be talked about everywhere. Tales of your bravery and valour are echoing in every house in the country.
• Bharat Mata's enemies have seen your fire and fury.
• Those who are weak can never initiate peace, bravery is a pre-requisite for peace.

• Whether World Wars or peace, whenever the need arises, the world has seen the victory of our braves and their efforts towards peace. We have worked for the betterment of humanity.
• 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'.
• Age of expansionism is over, this is the age of development. History is witness that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back.
• I am looking at women soldiers in front of me. In the battlefield at the border this view is inspiring.
• We have increased expenditure on development on infrastructure in the border area by three times.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached Leh in a surprise visit to take a stock of the security situation along the border at a time when the tensions with China do not seem to diffuse on ground even after a series of diplomatic and military level talks. Watch here: PM Modi's address to India soldiers in Leh Prime Minister interacted with personnel of Army, Air Force and ITBP, in Nimmoo, in Leh, Ladakh. He also visited the injured soldiers from the Galwan Valley clash with China last month. It is to be noted that earlier Rajnath Singh was about to visit Ladakh, but his visit was cancelled a day before. Reacting to Modi's sudden visit, China on Friday issued a statement calling for lowering of temperature. Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that no party should engage in any action that may escalate the situation at this point.