Continuing his tradition of spending Diwali with the armed forces and other security forces on the borders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the festival of lights on Thursday with personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in the Sir Creek area of Gujarat's Kutch.
PM Modi brought festive cheer to the troops stationed at this remote and challenging border location, and was seen offering sweets to the personnel as he participated in the celebrations at Lakki Nala, near Sir Creek. This area, forming part of the creek channel of Sir Creek, marks the beginning of the creek border with Pakistan.
Known for its marshy terrain, the location poses significant challenges for patrol operations and is under the vigilant watch of the BSF.
Sir Creek, a 96-kilometer-long disputed border area between India and Pakistan, often becomes a focal point for infiltration attempts by drug smugglers and terrorists from Pakistan.
However, BSF forces, including their elite Crocodile Commandos, have consistently foiled these threats to safeguard Indian territory.
During his visit, PM Modi lauded the BSF troopers for their unwavering dedication to keeping the nation's border safe and secure under challenging circumstances, sources revealed.
The Prime Minister also engaged with the troops, enquiring about recent changes in their operational environment and discussing potential adjustments to ease their duties, according to sources.
PM Modi took a close look at the creek area, spending about an hour with the personnel before departing for Bhuj.
This visit is a continuation of his annual tradition since 2014 - when he made a surprise visit to the Siachen Glacier - of celebrating Diwali with soldiers deployed at border posts, a gesture that highlights his appreciation for the armed forces' contribution to national security.
Last year, the Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh, which is adjacent to the Chinese border.
He termed the occasion of celebrating Diwali with the "brave security forces" in Lepcha as "an experience filled with deep emotion and pride".
Tripura CM Saha holds key meeting with BJP, IPFT and TMP leaders
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday held an "important" meeting between the leaders of ruling BJP and its two allies – Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) and discussed various political and developmental issue, sources said.
HM Amit Shah's meeting sends a clear message: Not a drop of water to Pakistan
A high-level meeting was held on Friday at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The 45-minute meeting between the Home Minister and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil focused on exploring ways to halt the flow of water to Pakistan.
Tripura: TMP chief urges Centre to adopt 'stronger policy' against B'desh
Ruling BJP’s ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder-chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma on Friday urged the Central government to adopt a stronger policy stance towards Bangladesh, accusing the neighbouring country of encouraging fundamentalist forces targeting Hindu minorities.
Pahalgam attack: More countries express solidarity with India, offer support in fight against terrorism
Ambassadors of Israel, Egypt, Argentina, and Nepal met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday, expressing solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam.
Tripura CM directs SPs and DMs to remain vigilant about Pakistani nationals
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday directed the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of all eight districts to regularly share necessary inputs with the Chief Minister’s Secretariat regarding the presence of any Pakistani nationals in the state, officials said.
US supports India's 'hunt' for those behind 'horrific Islamist terrorist attack' in Pahalgam, says Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), on Friday said that the United States supports India's "hunt" for the perpetrators of the "horrific Islamist terrorist attack" in Pahalgam that took place earlier this week.
Tehran stands ready to 'forge greater understanding' between India and Pakistan: Iran FM Araghchi
Citing its good relations with both India and Pakistan, Iran on Friday said that it stands ready to "forge greater understanding" between New Delhi and Islamabad following the Pahalgam terror attack, earlier this week.
PM Modi's action will act as deterrent against any fresh attempts to harm India: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday denounced the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting his staunch belief that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive action will act as a strong deterrent against any future attempts by terrorists to harm India.