Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a surprise visit, reached Leh, Ladakh, early this morning for the first time after the 15 June clash with China in which 20 soldiers were killed in the line of duty.
Modi interacted with soldiers in forward positions in what is seen as a major morale booster for the forces and a strong message for China.
Photos showed the Prime Minister sitting in a camouflage tent with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief MM Naravane as he spoke to the troops, seated at a distance from each other against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
The PMO said he was at a forward location in Nimu. He reached there early in the morning and will return later today.
Modi’s visit to the border area is high on symbolism, and a morale booster for the troops that are leading the stand-off in Ladakh’s Galwan valley and around Pangong lake.