Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh celebrated Diwali with troops at the 4 Corps Headquarters in Tezpur, Assam, on October 30, 2024. During the celebration, which featured a traditional Barakhana feast, Singh commended the troops for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to serving the nation under challenging conditions. He was joined by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Eastern Command’s Lt Gen RC Tewari, and 4 Corps Commander Lt Gen Gambhir Singh, along with other senior officials.
Addressing the assembled soldiers, Singh spoke about the recent diplomatic progress with China regarding areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), highlighting India and China’s efforts to restore peace through sustained diplomatic and military engagement. He said, “India and China were in diplomatic and military talks to resolve their conflicts in some areas along the LAC. We have reached a consensus following our continuous efforts. We achieved this success due to your discipline and courage.”
Singh reiterated that India is committed to building positive relations with its neighbors, echoing former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s famous words, “We can change our friends but not our neighbours.” However, he emphasized that India remains vigilant and ready to ensure the safety of its borders. “Keeping in mind the interests of our forces, the government will take necessary steps in this process of peace restoration,” Singh added.
The Raksha Mantri praised the indomitable spirit and bravery of the soldiers stationed on the front lines, stating that their sacrifices serve as a profound inspiration to the youth of India. He also attributed India’s rising influence on the global stage to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the strength of the Indian Armed Forces, urging the soldiers to stay prepared for emerging security challenges worldwide.
Highlighting the importance of Barakhana as a tradition, Singh noted its role in fostering camaraderie and unity among the ranks, calling the event “a symbol of family spirit beyond formal ranks.”
Earlier, the Raksha Mantri conducted a comprehensive review of 4 Corps’ operational readiness and was briefed on recent infrastructure advancements along the LAC. He was updated on the integration of advanced military technology and equipment to boost operational efficiency. Lauding the Corps’ efforts, he praised the exemplary dedication of all ranks and commended their contributions to nation-building in border regions.(pr)