Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday issued a new warning to China, two months after the deadly clashes in the Himalayas, at a ceremony for Independence Day. " To all those who have had views on the sovereignty of the country, the country's army has responded with the same language, " Modi said, in his most important speech of the year, during which he also promised to further strengthen military capabilities.
Read also: How, step by step, Beijing is moving forward in the Himalayas
Without naming the countries in question, the Indian Prime Minister addressed himself to Pakistan, enemy of always, but especially to China, after the clashes of last June in Ladakh, on a border territory claimed by the two countries. “ The integrity of India is of paramount importance to us. What we can do, what our soldiers can do, everyone has seen this in Ladakh, ”he said.
Read also: India-China tensions: the Indian Prime Minister on a surprise visit to Ladakh
Good relations with neighboring countries must be based " on both confidence and security ", Mr. Modi underlined, in his speech to more than 4,000 people, from the fortress of the Palais-Fort, symbol of independence, in New Delhi.
Clashes between Indian and Chinese soldiers with fists, batons and stones, without fire from firearms, had killed twenty Indian soldiers, and an unspecified number among Chinese soldiers.
It was the first military clash between China and India in 45 years, around this disputed border.
Each country blamed the other, and since sent tens of thousands of troops to the region. Discussions to try to calm tensions are deadlocked.
The last open conflict between the two most populous nations on the planet dates back to the Flash War of 1962, which saw Indian troops quickly defeated by the Chinese military.
