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Modi Highlights India's Achievements in Independence Day Speech

by VOA News

   Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 70th anniversary of India's
   break from British colonial rule with a vow to end corruption and a
   plea for religious tolerance.

   Modi used his annual Independence Day speech Tuesday at New Delhi's
   landmark Red Fort to tout his controversial decision to withdraw large
   currency notes from circulation. The prime minister says the decision
   pulled in at least $46 billion in undeclared wealth from the
   underground economy into India's formal banking system, even though it
   caused a serious cash shortage.

   Modi denounced violence carried out by right-wing Hindus against
   minority Muslims and lower-caste Hindus accused of eating beef, which
   violates the belief among Hindus that cows are sacred.

   He also proclaimed that India could defend itself against any and all
   enemies, "be it the sea or borders, cyber or space." India is currently
   engaged in a tense, two-month long territorial dispute with China in a
   strategic eastern Himalayan region.

   But Modi offered a note of conciliation towards the Muslim-majority
   Himalayan region of Kashmir, saying it was a better option than
   "bullets or abuses." Indian security forces have been fighting Kashmir
   separatists who are seeking either independence or greater ties to
   Pakistan, India's bitter rival. Kashmir has been the center point of a
   territorial tug-of-war between India and Pakistan for decades.

   In 1947, Britain split its giant Indian empire into two new nations, a
   Hindu-majority India and Muslim-dominated Pakistan. Pakistan celebrated
   its independence on Monday.