Modi Responds to China in Independence Day Speech

• In his speech, Modi emphasized the achievements of his government in the past year.
• “Respect for India’s sovereignty is supreme for us. What our brave soldiers can do for this resolution, what the country can do, the world has seen this in Ladakh.”
• Indian President Ram Nath Kovind delivered a nationally televised speech on the day before the celebration of Independence Day.

In a speech on India’s Independence Day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the recent border conflict with China, and said that those who challenged India’s sovereignty “have given a proper response in their own language.” August 15 marks the 73rd anniversary of India’s independence.

Prime Minister Modi delivered a national speech at the Red Fort in New Delhi. Before the speech, Modi paid tribute to the photo of Mahatma Gandhi. In his speech, Modi emphasized the achievements of his government in the past year, and firmly believed that a “self-reliant India” could be built.

Prime Minister Modi said, “when we embark upon an extraordinary journey to achieve an extraordinary target, multiple and unusual challenges come in our way.” The PM added:

“In the midst of such a disaster, there have been vicious attempts to challenge the country’s strength at the borders. But, from LOC to LAC, whoever raised his eyes on the sovereignty of the country, our brave soldiers have answered to him in his language.”

Modi went on, “respect for India’s sovereignty is supreme for us. What our brave soldiers can do for this resolution, what the country can do, the world has seen this in Ladakh.”

Independence celebrations across India have been affected by the new coronavirus epidemic. India has nearly 2.5 million cases of new coronavirus infection, ranking third in the world. In his speech, Modi expressed his gratitude for the efforts of people on the front line of fighting the epidemic, and concealed the challenges the country faces in responding to the epidemic and natural disasters.

Modi emphasized that India needs to start exporting finished products instead of raw materials to promote the development of small businesses and local businesses. Modi said, “before the epidemic, did we ever think that India would become a manufacturing center for N95 masks, personal protective equipment, and ventilators? But we did it.”

Only 250 guests attended the awards ceremony in the Red Fort, and their seats were two meters apart. Participants took a temperature test before entering the venue. In addition, 500 students from the National Youth Corps (NCC) also participated in the event. Modi did not wear a mask when he gave a speech.

During the celebration ceremony, Indian soldiers held a parade while maintaining social distancing. They wore masks that matched the colors of their uniforms— khaki, olive green, blue and white— to show the three components of the Indian military: army, air force, and navy.

Respect the Sovereignty of India “Supreme”

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind delivered a nationally televised speech on the day before the celebration of Independence Day. In his speech, he affirmed the contribution of medical staff in fighting the new coronavirus epidemic.

Kovind also paid tribute to the 20 soldiers who died in the conflict with the Chinese army in the Galwan Valley in June this year. He accused China of “smartly” engaging in “expansionism,” but did not disclose more details.

In his keynote speech on Independence Day, Modi said that respect for the sovereignty of India is “supreme.” He said that those who challenged the sovereignty of India had “made an appropriate response in their own language.”

Modi outlined his plan to develop solar energy and make it carbon-neutral in the disputed territory of Ladakh. Outsiders believe that China has occupied certain parts of the region. The Indian Prime Minister also called for the repeal of Article 370 of the Constitution, which gives Jammu and Kashmir a special autonomous status.

In addition to domestic and international security issues, Modi also announced the launch of the National Digital Health Mission Plan, which will provide every Indian with a health ID card. He also plans to increase the age of marriage for women, and announced an ambitious $1.3 trillion plan to improve infrastructure.

Modi said that India has three new coronavirus vaccines and they are currently in different stages of testing. Once confirmed by scientists, large-scale applications will begin.