Era of expansionism is over, says PM Narendra Modi from Ladakh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday made a surprise visit to Ladakh — the icy heights where Indo-China border tensions are playing out — and told a gathering of Army and ITBP soldiers that the "era of expansionism is over" without naming China even once in his speech.

The PM's sudden trip comes after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Leh on Friday was cancelled at the eleventh hour.

"The age of expansionism is over. This is the age of development. History is witness that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back. India’s commitment to peace should not be seen as India’s weakness," the Prime Minister said interacting with soldiers at the Line of Actual Control.

Read: Bravery shown by you has sent message about India's strength: PM Narendra Modi to soldiers in Ladakh

Accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Army Chief Gen M M Naravane, Modi reached Leh early morning and was subsequently flown to Nimu, which is situated at an altitude of 11,000 ft on the banks of the Indus, by a chopper.

He was given a briefing on the LAC situation by Lt Gen Harinder Singh, Commander of the 14 Corps, inside a camouflage tent.

Remembering the sacrifices made by soldiers killed in the Galwan clash, Modi said, “Be it Leh-Ladakh, Kargil or the Siachen Glacier, be it the high mountains or the icy cold water that flows in the rivers, these are testimony to the gallantry of India’s armed forces. The enemies of India have seen the fire and fury of our forces.”

Incidentally, Leh-based 14 Corps of the Indian Army that guards the LAC is also known as the Fire and Fury Corps.

Modi said the country believed in its soldiers to keep it "strong and safe".

Follow all the latest updates on the India-China tensions here

"Every single Indian across the world, especially in India, has the belief that you all can deliver and keep the nation strong and safe," said the Prime Minister. "Your courage is higher than the heights where you are stationed. Your arms are as strong as the mountains that surround you. Your confidence, determination and belief are as atal (immovable) as the peaks here."

"The weak can never accomplish peace, the brave do," Modi asserted.

For more than two months, Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a tense face-off at multiple locations in eastern Ladakh.

The two sides discussed disengagement plans three times but troop presence in east Ladakh has not thinned so far. On the contrary, both nations have increased their men, firepower and wherewithal on either side of the LAC.

Remembering the sacrifices made by the soldiers killed in the brutal Galwan clash, Modi said, “Be it Leh-Ladakh, Kargil or the Siachen Glacier, be it the high mountains or the icy cold water that flows in the rivers, these are testimony to the gallantry of India’s armed forces. The enemies of India have seen the fire and fury of our forces.”

Read: First China, now Pakistan: How India is battling on two fronts

Incidentally, Leh-based 14 Corps of the Indian Army that guards the LAC is also known as the Fire and Fury Corps. "Every single Indian across the world, especially in India, has the belief that you all can deliver and keep the nation strong and safe. Your courage is higher than the heights where you are stationed. Your arms are as strong as the mountains that surround you. Your confidence, determination and belief are as atal (immovable) as the peaks here."

"The weak can never accomplish peace, the brave do," Modi asserted.

The Prime Minister’s visit not only serves as a powerful statement against Chinese aggression at the LAC since April but also firmly establishes India’s territorial claims on the Galwan valley – an undisputed piece of land since the 1962 war - which was suddenly claimed by China weeks ago.

Modi also visited the Military Hospital at Leh where he interacted with some of the soldiers injured in the Galwan clash.