Leh, Aug 12 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today came out strongly against Pakistan for continuing its proxy war of terrorism against India, saying it has lost the strength to fight a conventional war.
Addressing troops of Army and the Indian Air Force on his maiden trip to Leh and Ladakh, Modi condemned the continuing proxy war by Pakistan.
"The neighbouring country has lost the strength to fight a conventional war, but continues to engage in the proxy war of terrorism," he said.
The Prime Minister said the Indian armed forces were suffering more casualties from terrorism than from war.
Noting that this is a global problem, the Prime Minister said all humanitarian forces of the world should unite to fight it.
"India is committed to strengthening and uniting these humanitarian forces," he said.
Modi said India was committed to strong armed forces, well-equipped with modern arms and technology.
The jawans should be assured that the entire country supports them, he stressed.
The Prime Minister said soldiers remain undeterred inspite of the many negatives and struggles that their families face in day-to-day life and this energy and sense of duty inspires him and, therefore, he keeps visiting jawans on the border to seek inspiration.
The Prime Minister said provisions have been made in the Union Budget for modernisation and welfare of the armed forces including 'One Rank One Pension'.
Modi promised the troops that a National War Memorial would be built that would inspire future generations of India.
He also told the defence personnel that the government is committed to making India self-reliant in defence manufacturing.
Noting that the country's armed forces deployed in border areas are well-connected with the people who live there, Modi cited the example of the Kargil infiltration, about which the first information was given by a shepherd named Tashi Namgyal.
Before leaving, Modi interacted with the troops and wrote in the visitor's book that peace and security is a pre-requisite for development.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister of State for Power Piyush Goyal, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh were also present on the occasion.
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