PM Narendra Modi made a surprise visit to Siachen glaciier and assured jawans that the entire nation stands behind them shoulder to shoulder.

Wishing the people of the nation and the President Mr.Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of Deepawali, he told the jawans that he has come to celebrate his first Deepawali as Prime Minister with them.

Addressing the officers and the jawans at the base camp, Modi praised their valour and courage and said 125 crore Indians could celebrate Deepawali today because the Jawans are guarding the borders and prepared to make any sacrifice.

Expressing that the nation is proud of all three wings of the armed forces, he said the jawans at Siachen work in one of the remotest places in the world and it is a rare opportunity to be called upon to defend the country in such a difficult situation.

Recalling the immense contribution made by the armed forces during the recent floods in Kashmir, Modi also appreciated the fact that women too are now contributing to the Indian Armed Forces in a significant way.

He said their dreams and responsibilities are the entire country's responsibility and let the jawans too inspire the rest of the country to work towards achieving the dreams and aspirations of the common man.