I stayed awake all night: PM Modi recounts surgical strikes
What's the story
Last evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India from an eventful week-long trip of the United States, where he attended the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Upon landing, he was given a grand welcome by thousands of people.
He addressed the gathering and thanked everyone for coming. He also recalled the 2016 surgical strikes on its third anniversary.
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"The credit for India's respect goes to 130 crore Indians"
While addressing the public, PM Modi said, "After winning elections in 2014, I had gone to the United Nations. But this time, I observed a big change in their attitude toward India. The credit for their increased respect for India goes to 130 crore Indians."
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I salute the courage of our brave soldiers: PM Modi
Remembering the surgical strikes, PM Modi said, "Three years ago, it was September 28 when I didn't sleep at all at night. Every moment, I was waiting for when the telephone will ring."
"Three years ago, the brave soldiers of my country enhanced India's pride by conducting the surgical strikes. Remembering that night, I salute the courage of our brave soldiers," he added.
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Why were surgical strikes conducted?
To recall, three years back India conducted the surgical strike in retaliation to a terror attack at an army camp in Uri on September 18, 2016, that had killed 19 soldiers. The Indian Army had destroyed seven terrorist launchpads across the Line of Control.
Trip
PM Modi started trip with grand rally; conducted bilateral meeting
Coming to PM Modi's US trip, it all started with the much-awaited grand "Howdy Modi" event in Houston, that also marked the presence of US President Donald Trump.
The sharing of the stage was seen as a win-win situation for both the leaders.
Later, PM Modi and President Trump met again in New York for a bilateral meeting, where they discussed trade associations.
UNGA
On Friday, PM Modi delivered a 17-minute speech at UNGA
Last but not the least, PM Modi on Friday delivered a 17-minute speech at the UNGA.
He highlighted several issues including development, climate change, and global terrorism.
His speech stood in sharp contrast with that of Pakistani PM Imran Khan, who spoke shortly after and devoted most part of his speech to the situation in Kashmir and abysmal relations with India.