India Stands Resilient In Face Of Global Challenges: PM Modi

In his 78th Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a clear message to India's adversaries, both state and non-state actors, urging them to understand that the rise of Bharat is not a threat to global peace and order.

He warned, however, that while these adversaries might attempt to delay India's progress, the country is fully prepared to counter any such challenges.

Photo Credit: PTI

PM Modi expressed concerns about the deteriorating global environment, particularly in the wake of the Islamist coup in Bangladesh and the resulting violence against Hindus and other minorities.

He highlighted that India faces not only internal challenges but also significant external threats, hinting at non-state players who are funding efforts to create instability and communal disharmony within the country.

"We are a land of Buddha, not a land of 'yuddha' (war)," he stated, emphasising that India's rise is beneficial for the world as the nation has never advocated or exported war and violence, even during its historical periods of prosperity.

While reaffirming his commitment to making India the third-largest economy after the US and China, Modi expressed concerns about global adversaries and naysayers within India.

He suggested that the rise of India would likely be contested, with efforts made to exploit communal and caste divisions.

Addressing the pessimists within the country, he criticised those who, in his view, have failed to acknowledge India's rapid success over the past decade.

Modi also touched on global instability, particularly regarding the situation in the Middle East, where Iran is on the verge of attacking Israel directly or through its terror proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, and Gaza.

With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Modi and his national security planners are also seeing an increase in cross-border terrorism from Pakistan in the Jammu sector.

Additionally, he raised concerns about the deliberate instigation of Khalistani forces in Canada, the US, and the UK by Western powers and Pakistan, which is causing serious issues in Punjab and the northern regions of India.

He pointed out that Anglo-Saxon powers, along with Pakistan, are pushing the patriotic Sikh community toward radicalization, particularly in Canada and the UK, for vote-bank politics.

By referencing the surgical strikes and the Balakot strikes, PM Modi not only praised the Indian security forces but also hinted at the possibility of further retaliation against any terrorism directed at India.