#ModiInUSA: PM says surgical strikes prove Indian can defend itself
What's the story
PM Narendra Modi, who was attending a reception by the Indian-American community in Virginia, said India has successfully explained the threat of terrorism to the world. Modi said the surgical strikes across the LoC on September 29, 2016, prove that India can defend itself when needed. He is currently in the US where he'll hold bilateral talks with President Donald Trump.
On surgical strikess
Modi says "India practices restrain but can show power"
"When India conducted surgical strikes the world experienced our power and realized that India practices restrain but can show power when needed," Modi said. He said "the world did not and cannot stop us." "We have succeeded in conveying to the world the deleterious effects of terrorism on India," he added.
Quote
On terrorism
Modi said: "When India talked of terrorism 20 years back, many in the world said it was a law and order problem and didn't understand it. Now terrorists have explained terrorism to them so we don't have to."
On development
Modi vows to fast-track development in India
In an apparent reference to China's claims and increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, Modi said India believes in following the world order. He said India doesn't flout global rules to achieve its development goals. "This is India's tradition and culture," he said. He promised the Indian American community that his government will fast-track India's development.
On corruption
Modi says his government is determined to fight corruption
Modi said Indians hate corruption and vowed that his government remains resolute in addressing the menace. He said his government hasn't faced a single allegation of corruption over the past three years. He said his government is using technology to usher in transparency which is helping fight corruption. "The results are there for all to see," he added.
On Indian diplomacy
Modi praises External Affairs Ministry for social media-driven diplomacy
Modi praised the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and minister Sushma Swaraj for giving diplomacy a human face through social media-driven good governance. "MEA is one ministry of the government which has demonstrated through the use of social media, for the first time, that it cares for poorest of Indians." He said the Indian Embassy will always help Indian-Americans if they face problems.