Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali this year with personnel from the BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force along the Pakistan border at Lakki Nala in Gujarat’s Sir Creek area.
The visit to Kachchh brought festive cheer to the troops stationed at this remote outpost, where Modi spent time interacting with soldiers, extending his Diwali greetings, and expressing his gratitude for their dedicated service to the nation.
The Sir Creek area, known for its challenging environment, sees hot days and bitterly cold nights, which test the resilience of the soldiers stationed there. An official described the conditions as “inhospitable,” pointing out the extremes of climate and terrain that these troops endure. For PM Modi, however, it was essential to show his respect and support for those standing guard at India’s borders.
This is part of PM Modi’s tradition of celebrating Diwali with Indian armed forces personnel. Over the years, he has chosen various posts across the country to mark the festival with those who dedicate their lives to national security.
In 2017, Modi visited the jawans in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control, where he spent time sharing sweets and messages of encouragement, thanking the soldiers for their steadfast dedication.
Similarly, in 2014, he visited Siachen on Diwali, a location known as one of the most difficult posts in the world, to show his appreciation for the courage and determination of the Indian armed forces.
During these visits, Modi has consistently emphasised the pivotal role these soldiers play, allowing millions of Indians to celebrate Diwali in peace and security.
This year’s celebration took place amid a recent positive development along India’s border with China. On the same day, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets at various points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in a symbolic gesture of goodwill.
The exchanges followed the completion of troop disengagement at the friction points in eastern Ladakh’s Demchok and Depsang Plains, signalling a step towards reducing the tension that has marked the region since 2020.
An Indian Army source shared that the exchanges were a part of Diwali’s spirit of harmony and mutual respect, particularly following the recent disengagement.
These disengagement efforts represent a potential thaw in Sino-Indian relations after years of heightened tension and military standoffs. The Diwali exchange at the LAC adds to this momentum, symbolising a collaborative spirit between the two countries’ forces and marking a hopeful development in the stability of the border region.
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