'Befitting reply given in Ladakh': PM Modi fires strong statement on China in Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured citizens of India's ability to give a befitting reply and its ability to overcome any challenge as he addressed nation in 66th edition of Mann Ki Baat - perhaps his newsiest till date. Referring to violent faceoff with China at Line of Actual Control (LAC), PM Modi paid tribute to martyrs in Ladakh and said that nation would remain indebted for ir supreme sacrifice. Talking about threats posed by India's neighbours, PM Modi said that India was a peace-loving country but it won't refrain from giving a befitting response if anyone dares to encroach upon India's sovereignty. 

" world has seen India's strength and commitment to protect its sovereignty and borders; in Ladakh, a befitting reply has been given to those eyeing our territories", said PM Modi.

"India kws how to maintain friendship, but it can look someone in eye and retaliate; our Bravehearts have shown that y won't let any harm be done to Mor India", he added. 

"Our effort should be towards making country stronger and self-reliant - this will be real tribute to our martyrs", said PM Modi

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'India is capable of giving a befitting response'

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PM Modi, in his address to nation on Sunday, said that India had faced many challenges in past few months including disasters such as Cyclone Amphan, Cyone Nisarga, coronavirus pandemic, locusts attack and threats from neighbours and assured citizens of India's ability to overcome se challenges. Furr, PM Modi added that India grew stronger as it overcame each challenge. 

Reiterating need to go vocal for local products, PM Modi said that India knew exactly how to respond to aggression, adding that call to buy or use Indian made products had increased and that going vocal for local would strengn India. 

"India's resolve is to protect sovereignity of our country", said PM Modi

"People are saying to me post ladakh standoff y are saying will go for local only. y are saying y have a mess vocal for local", said PM Modi.  

Watch PM Modi's full Mann Ki Baat here

This is second time Prime Minister has spoken at length on clash; first was before he held a meeting of Chief Ministers days after clash. He has also chaired an all-party meeting over standoff.

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Galwan face-off

20 Indian soldiers were martyred in a violent face-off with Chinese PLA along Line of Actual control (LAC) at Galwan Valley on June 15. Chinese commanding officer was also killed in retalitation from Indian Armed Forces. However, Chinese side have t divulged number of casualities suffered on ir side. Moreover, y have claimed sovereignity over Galwan valley, a claim that New delhi terms as 'exaggerated' and 'untenable'.

Meanwhile, both sides have engaed in Commander Corps level talks in which India put its foot down and has asked China to re-establish pre-April status quo at LAC. COAS NM Naravane recently visited forward locations in Leh & Ladakh to review preparedness of Armed forces and briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about it.   

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