No power can bend India: PM Modi
At Somnath, PM recalls India resisting sanctions after the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday drew parallels between the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests and India’s present-day resolve, asserting that no power in the world can force the country to bow under pressure.
Addressing a gathering at the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years of the inauguration of the restored Somnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, PM Modi said the occasion symbolised India’s cultural resurgence and national self-confidence.
“While India attained Independence in 1947, the pran pratishtha of Somnath in 1951 marked the proclamation of India’s liberated consciousness,” the PM said.
Highlighting the significance of May 11, PM Modi noted that the date marks both the consecration of the Somnath temple and India’s nuclear tests conducted in 1998 under then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
“On May 11, 1998, our scientists demonstrated India’s capabilities before the world,” PM Modi said, recalling how the Pokhran-II nuclear tests triggered strong international reactions and sanctions against India.
According to the PM, several global powers attempted to isolate India economically and diplomatically after the tests. However, he said the Vajpayee-led Government remained firm despite mounting pressure.
“Many countries would have faltered under such circumstances, but India stood strong. No power on earth can make India bow down or succumb to pressure,” PM Modi asserted.
He further noted that India went ahead with two additional nuclear tests on May 13, 1998, despite international criticism, describing it as proof of India’s unwavering political will.
During his address, PM Modi also linked the reconstruction of the Somnath temple with issues of national pride and cultural identity. He said the temple had been repeatedly destroyed by invaders but rebuilt each time through the determination of the people.
The PM alleged that some political forces in the country continue to prioritise appeasement politics over national self-respect. Drawing a comparison with the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, he claimed similar opposition was witnessed during the temple movement.
Modi praised Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and India’s first President Rajendra Prasad for their efforts in rebuilding the Somnath temple after Independence. He also claimed that then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had opposed the reconstruction initiative.
“We must move forward by embracing both development and heritage together,” PM Modi said, adding that neglecting cultural centres had hindered national progress.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister released a commemorative stamp marking 75 years of the restored Somnath temple. Before attending the event, PM Modi held a roadshow along a 1.5-kilometre stretch from the helipad to Veer Hamirji Circle near the temple. Large crowds gathered along the route, waving flags and greeting the Prime Minister as artists from various states performed traditional dances.
