PM Modi boarding special IAF aircraft to Siachen on Thursday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wished Indians "Happy Diwali" from Siachen, the world's highest battlefield, where he made a rare visit to rally the morale of troops after border clashes with Pakistan.
"From the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier & with the brave Jawans & Officers of the Armed Forces, I wish all of you a Happy Diwali," he tweeted.
He also wished President Pranab Mukherjee, commenting that he was sure this would be among the "most unique greetings Pranab Da received."
Before he left for Siachen this morning, he said he was carrying a message for soldiers from "each and every Indian" that "we stand shoulder to shoulder with you!"
PM Modi took a special Indian Air Force aircraft to Siachen and was flown by helicopter to the base camp at about 12,000 feet. He made an aerial survey of the glacier before meeting the troops. Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhaag accompanied him.
Mr Modi is the first prime minister to visit Siachen in 10 years; Dr Manmohan Singh, who was prime minister for 10 years, was the last to visit the glacier in 2005.
The visit is being seen as a strong message to Pakistan, which has been pressing for the pullout of troops from the glacier since 2012, when 130 Pakistani soldiers died in an avalanche on their side of the slopes. India has been opposing the demand given the strategic importance of the glacier.
The army has been posted at the 71-km glacier since 1984.
In a series of tweets, PM Modi paid tribute to thousands of soldiers, who, he said, stand firm, serving the nation in most severe conditions. "Be it the altitude or bitter cold, nothing deters our soldiers. They stand there, serving our Nation. They make us truly proud," he said on Twitter.
After spending over two hours at Siachen, PM Modi left for Srinagar, which was devastated by floods last month, the worst the state has seen in 100 years.