On Sunday (12 November), Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with the troops in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh and praised the unwavering courage of the Indian security forces.

In his address to the nation, the Prime Minister extended Diwali greetings to all citizens, emphasising the significance of his message being delivered "from the last village of the country as well as the first".

He highlighted the specialness of this occasion after interacting with the jawans.

He also stated, "For me, a place where our security forces are deployed is no less than a temple. Even when I was not PM or CM, I would go to border areas during Diwali to celebrate with security forces." 

He expressed his belief that Ayodhya is not only the place where Lord Ram is, but also where Indian Army personnel are.

PM Modi commended the soldiers, acknowleded their bravery and highlighted their numerous victories in wars since India gained independence in 1947.

He further stated, "In the International Peace Mission, India's global image was improved because of them. Is there any such issue, to which our brave hearts have not provided solution?"

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India's security is assured as long as its courageous soldiers remain steadfast at the borders, unwavering like the mighty Himalayas.

PM Modi arrived in Himachal Pradesh in the morning and shared photographs of his interactions with the soldiers.

He shared on X that spending Diwali with the courageous security forces in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh was an incredibly emotional and proud experience.

In another post on X, Modi expressed gratitude towards India's soldiers, who 'exemplify courage and determination'.

Since assuming office in 2014, PM Modi has made it a practice to visit military facilities in order to commemorate Diwali.

In 2014, the Prime Minister joined soldiers at the Siachen Glacier to celebrate the festival of lights.

On the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war with Pakistan, Prime Minister Modi paid a visit to three memorials in Punjab.

These memorials held significant importance as they were the sites where the Indian armed forces fought crucial battles that ultimately led to the country's victory.

In 2016, he visited Himachal Pradesh to meet with personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Dogra Scouts, and the Army at Sumdoh, which is located near the China border.

In 2017, he spent time in the Gurez sector in north Kashmir.

The following year, he celebrated Diwali in Harsil, Uttarakhand, and then visited Kedarnath.

PM Modi celebrated Diwali in different locations during his second tenure as well.

In 2019, he celebrated in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, after being re-elected to office.

In 2020, he was at the Longewala border post, and in 2021, he celebrated with soldiers in Nowshera.

Last year, the Prime Minister joined the armed forces in Kargil to celebrate Diwali.