Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 28 put out a strong statement on the ongoing stalemate between India and China in east Ladakh, saying that “the world has seen India’s commitment to protecting its borders and sovereignty. In Ladakh, a befitting reply has been given to those coveting our territory.”

He said this in his monthly radio broadcast, ‘Mann ki Baat’, referring to the sacrifice of the 20 Indian soldiers who had lost their lives in the violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in east Ladakh on June 15th as one that the whole country paid homage to.

“India is peace loving but if anyone casts an eye on our territory and sovereignty, we are more than capable of giving a befitting reply,” he said. Without mentioning China, he quoted a Sanskrit sloka that characterised for India, what Chinese actions at the border revealed about the country’s character. “Vidya vivaad dhanam madaya, shakti pareshan paripeedanaya. Khalasya sadho vipareetam etat, gyaanaya, daanaya cha rakshanam (For crooked persons, knowledge is meant for arguments, wealth for ego, power for troubling others. The opposite is the case among noble souls, knowledge is meant for wisdom, wealth for donation and power to protect the weak),” he said. Noting that the sentiments expressed by the family members of those slain in the violent phase lent courage to the entire country, he referred in particular to jawan Kundan Kumar’s father who has, despite losing a son, expressed a desire to see two of his grandsons serve the Indian Army.