Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks at an event in New Delhi on July 27, 2019 to mark the 20th anniversary of Kargil war

“Those defeated in war are using pseudo-war to fulfil their political objectives and encourage terror,” the Prime Minister said at an event marking the 20th anniversary of Kargil war.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the victory in the Kargil war a “symbol of India’s might, determination and capability”. Speaking at the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the war in New Delhi , Mr. Modi said the soldiers fought for the whole country and that “Wars are fought not by governments but by whole country. Kargil victory still inspires the whole country.

“When India got independence in 1947, it wasn’t just for one community, caste or people speaking one language; it was for the whole country. Similarly, the soldiers who fought in Kargil fought for the whole country,” he said. “When Param Vir Chakra awardee, son of Himachal Pradesh, J&K Rifles Captain Vikram Batra had said, “yeh dil maange more”, his heart wasn’t asking for himself, not for a religion, a language or a caste but for the whole Bharat, for Maa Bharati,” he added.

He launched a frontal attack on Pakistan saying it had always used deceit over the issue of Kashmir in 1948, 1965 and 1971, and in 1999 that deceit was yet again defeated. “The nature of war has changed. Today, humanity and the world are victims of pseudo war. Terrorism is challenging the whole of mankind. Those defeated in war are using pseudo war to fulfil their political objectives and encourage terrorism,” he said, again referring to Pakistan.

Mr. Modi made a strong case for the modernisation of the defence forces.

“Today, the wars have reached space. Wars are fought even in cyber world today. So, modernisation of defence forces is not only a necessity but also our priority. Modernisation should be the identity of our defence forces,” he said.

He said his government had taken many steps for the welfare of the armed forces including the implementation of the One rank, one pension scheme, a long-standing demand, and to raise the amount given as scholarships to the children of those killed in operations.

“The question of national security will not be addressed either under fear or influence of anyone, nor shortages. It will be addressed keeping our priorities in mind,” he said.