India can defend itself

♦ PM says troubled Kashmir needs hugs as 'bullets and abuses' cannot bring peace
♦ Speaks about delivering a new India by 2022, listing his govt's achievements

India is strong enough to defend its borders against any threat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an Independence Day speech as the nation faces a frontier showdown with China and aggravated tensions with Pakistan.

"Security is our top priority," Modi told thousands packed into the landmark Red Fort in New Delhi yesterday as India marked the 70th anniversary of the end of British colonial rule.

"Be it the sea or the borders, cyber or space -- in all spheres, India is capable and we are strong enough to overcome those who try to act against our country," the Hindu nationalist leader declared.

Modi, who wore a Rajasthani turban with a long flowing orange train, toned down his comments from three previous Independence Day speeches and did not mention the targets of his warning, reported AFP.

Modi, who said he spoke with US President Donald Trump on the eve of the speech, said: "The concern for national security is a natural one in an independent India.

"Our security forces have always shown their capabilities whenever on duty. Whether it is terrorism or infiltrators, our security personnel have always been ready for sacrifice."

India carried out what it called "surgical strikes" in Pakistan in September last year after insurgents attacked an army base on the Indian side of the Kashmir border, killing 18 soldiers.

"When the surgical strike was carried out, the world came to know about the power that India possesses," Modi said in his speech.

He added that "bullets and abuses" cannot bring peace in Kashmir -- where there are an estimated 500,000 Indian troops -- but also accused Kashmiri separatists of "scheming".

What was needed, he said, were "hugs" for Kashmiris.

Modi urged India to reject religious violence, after a series of attacks against minorities sparked debate about whether a surge of Hindu nationalism is undermining the country's secular ideals.

"We will not tolerate violence in the name of faith," he said.

At the Red Fort, he also spoke at length about delivering a "new India" by 2022, listing his government's achievements, including a fight against corruption, reported Reuters.

Strong growth and economic reforms have bolstered Modi's popularity and helped his party sweep state elections in recent years, leaving the opposition severely weakened.