PM pays homage to Pulwama martyrs, says India believes in peace, but will protect sovereignty at all cost

Speaking after handing over to the indigenously built Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A) to the Indian Army and launching a slew of infrastructure projects, he said no Indian could forget this day.

''Two years ago, Pulwama attack happened. We paid homage to all the martyrs we lost in the attack," he said.

''We are proud of our security forces  and their bravery will continue to inspire generations," he added.

He said he was proud to dedicate to the country the Arjun Main Battle Tank to protect the frontier.

Stating that the tank Made in Tamil Nadu will be used to defend the Indian borders in Northern India, Mr Modi said ''this shows our united nature and spirit."

Mr Modi said the country would continue to make its armed forces the most modernised forces in the world. At the same time, the country would protect its sovereignty at all cost.

''India believes in peace. But, it will protect sovereignty at all costs," he added.

Quoting revolutionary Tamil poet Subramania Bharathi and the importance given to the defence sector for having latest made weapons, tools and ships, the Prime Minister said one of the two defence corridors was in TN.

The corridor has already received an investment commitment for Rs 8,100 crore.

''TN is already the leading auto manufacturing auto hub of India. Now, I see, Tamil Nadu evolving as the tank manufacturing hub of India," Mr Modi said, adding, the
world was looking at India with great enthusiasm.

This is because of the hard work of all the Indians, he said.