Jaisalmer, Nov 14 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a veiled attack on Pakistan, declared on Saturday that India believes in understanding and explaining but if there is an attempt to test it, the response will be equally fierce.



‘’India’s policy is very clear - Today’s India believes in understanding and explaining, however, if there is an attempt to test us, the response will be equally fierce,’’ the Prime Minister declared while addressing soldiers at the Indian border post of Longewala.



Hitting out at China the Prime Minister described the policy of expansionism as ‘’mental perversion reflective of 18th century thinking’’ and said India has come out as a forceful voice against the ideology of expansionism.



‘’Entire world is troubled by the forces of expansionism which is a mental perversion reflective of 18th century thinking,’’ he said.



Continuing his tradition of spending Diwali with the armed forces in frontier areas, he said his Diwali is complete only when he is with soldiers whether in the snow-clad mountains or in the desert and took the ‘’greetings, blessings and wishes of every Indian to the armed force personnel’’.



He emphasized that a nation is secure if it has the capability to face the attackers and intruders. Irrespective of advances in international cooperation and changes in equations, India could not afford to forget that ‘’vigilance is the key to security, alertness is the basis of happiness, and strength is the confidence of victory.’’



Observing that the world knows India will not compromise on its national interest, he said India is able to forcefully hold forth on the international fora because of the security provided by the armed forces. India’s military power has enhanced its negotiating power and hits the purveyors of terrorism in their home.



Referring to the stress on Aatmnirbharta and ‘Vocal for Local’, he said it had been decided by the forces that more than 100 weapons and accessories would not be imported anymore. He complimented the armed forces for leading the way in being vocal for local.



He called upon the youth to produce for the armed forces since many startups are coming forward to meet the needs of the forces. He expressed the hope that youth-led startups in defence sector would take the country forward on the path of Aatmnirbharta.



About COVID he said inspired by the armed forces the country was trying to save each and every citizen in the times of the pandemic. Along with ensuring food for the citizens, the country is working on putting the economy back on track.



The Prime Minister asked the soldiers to make innovation part of their daily life, make yoga part of their life and learn at least one more language apart from their mother tongue, Hindi and English. 'This will infuse your life with new energy,' he added.



Recalling the glorious battle of Longewala he said the battle would always be remembered in the annals of strategic planning and military valour. This was the time when the ugly face of Pakistan was exposed as its army was terrorizing innocent citizens of Bangladesh and committing atrocities on daughters and sisters.



‘’Pakistan opened the front on western border to divert global attention but our forces gave them a befitting reply,’’ the Prime Minister said.

UNI APS/RB 1947