Highlights
- Indian Prime Minister visits troops close to the border
- 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a recent clash with China
- India banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok on Monday
Mr Modi arrived in Leh, the capital city of Ladakh, on Friday morning and interacted with the troops, seen seating at a distance with the Himalayas in the backdrop.
The Indian Prime Minister shared a photo of his visit on his Instagram account where he is seen sitting in a camouflage tent along with India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief, MM Naravane.
"Interacting with our brave armed forces personnel at Nimu," the PM posted, sharing a photo on his Instagram account.
Hindustan Times reported Mr Modi was briefed by the Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Y K Joshi and XIV Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh at Nimu Army headquarters.
Sameer Patil, Fellow, International Security Studies at the Mumbai-based think-tank Gateway House described it as a major morale booster for the forces.
"It gives him an opportunity to understand the on-ground situation during the clash and witness the terrain. A first-hand account can make a big difference and it is also a huge morale booster for the troops.
"The highest leadership taking an interest and making time to visit them gives out a strong message of support to the troops defending the country on border," Mr Patil told SBS Hindi.
20 Indian soldiers were killed in a battle involving rocks and nail-studded batons by Chinese forces at the mouth of the Galwan valley on June 15, 2020.
Indian and Chinese military commanders agreed to step back after a long stand-off at several locations along their disputed border following the June 15 clash but have both maintained troops around the valley.
India, on Monday, banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok over concerns that these apps were engaging in activities that threatened “national security and defence of India".
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