Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that today's India is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and honor and has the power to give a befitting reply to those who challenge it. The Prime Minister said this in his address after paying tribute to the country's first Home Minister Sardar Ballabhbhai Patel on the 'Statue of Unity' here on the 145th birth anniversary.
He said that today the country is moving towards becoming self-reliant in the field of defense as well and both the eyes and attitudes of India have also changed with regard to borders. He said, "Today, the strength of our brave soldiers lies in giving a befitting reply to those eyeing the land of India. Today's India is on the borders, hundreds of kilometers of roads are being built, and dozens of bridges are constantly being built. Today's India is fully committed, fully prepared to protect its sovereignty and honor. ''
The Prime Minister's statement came at a time when there was a skirmish between the Indian and Chinese forces near the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and many soldiers were killed in it. The deadlock between the two countries still remains. Constant efforts are being made to end the deadlock between the two countries at the military and diplomatic levels.