India is quickly becoming a “major global player” in the defense sector and the capabilities of its security forces are constantly increasing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday.

Addressing soldiers here after celebrating Diwali with security personnel near the border, Modi said circumstances in the world were such that expectations from India were constantly rising.

“At such an important time, it is necessary that India’s borders are protected and an environment of peace prevails in the country and you play a big role in this,” Modi said, dressed in Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) uniforms. .

“India is protected until my brave hearts stand at the borders like the Himalayas,” the Prime Minister said.

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“After independence, these brave ones (army personnel) have fought so many wars and won the heart of the country…Our jawans have achieved victory despite the challenges,” he said.

“It is said that ‘parv’ is where ‘parivaar’ is. At festivals, being away from family and working at the borders is an example of commitment to duty…The country is in your debt,” Modi told the soldiers.

“That’s why on Diwali a ‘diya’ is for your safety and in every prayer people wish for your safety,” the Prime Minister said.

“For 30-35 years, there hasn’t been a Diwali that I haven’t celebrated with you. When I was neither Prime Minister nor Chief Minister, I celebrated Diwali among you in border areas,” Modi said.

India’s soldiers have always gone ahead, risked their lives and always proved that they are the “strongest wall” on the borders, he added.

“For me, a place where our security forces are deployed is nothing less than a temple,” Modi said.

The prime minister also praised the armed forces’ role in evacuations in earthquake-hit areas and other disasters.

“When we had to withdraw people from Sudan, India’s brave people bravely completed the mission…When there was an earthquake in Turkey, they risked lives to save people,” Modi said.

Wherever Indians are in danger, the security forces are always committed to ensuring their safety, he stressed.

“We are proud of our armed forces and soldiers,” Modi added.