NEW DELHI, Aug 15 (TNS): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an Independence Day speech here said on Tuesday that India can defend itself from anyone who seeks “to act against our country”.
Indian leader was speaking before thousands at the landmark Red Fort in New Delhi amid a tense standoff with Beijing over a Himalayan Plateau, as the country marked the 70th anniversary of the end of British colonial rule.
“Security is our top priority,” Modi said in a speech as the country marked the 70th anniversary of the end of British colonial rule.
“Be it the sea or the borders, cyber or space — in all spheres, India is capable and we are strong enough to overcome those who try to act against our country,” the Hindu nationalist leader declared.
His remarks came as New Delhi’s dispute with Beijing over a strategically key Himalayan plateau entered its third month, with hundreds of soldiers reported to be facing off against each other.
The giant neighbors share a long history of mistrust and went to war in 1962 over the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and are still embroiled in a dispute over the territory.
India is also mired in a border row with Pakistan over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir since their bitter split in 1947.
Facing an indigenous movement in Kashmir for independence, Indian forces fighting tooth and nail to suppress the struggle for the right of self-determination in the region.
