Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that no country or global power can force India to surrender or bow down. He made the remarks while speaking at the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, which marked 75 years of the reconstructed Somnath Temple.

His comments came ahead of the anniversary of India’s 1998 nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran.

PM Modi Attends Religious Ceremonies at Somnath

The prime minister addressed a large gathering after taking part in the Vishesh Maha Puja, Kumbhabhishek, and Dhvajarohan ceremonies at the temple.

During his speech, he recalled the Pokhran nuclear tests and said they reflected India’s strong political leadership and determination, even when the country faced international pressure and sanctions.

“On May 11, 1998 – on this very day – India conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran. Many kinds of restrictions were imposed. Even the paths of economic opportunities were blocked. Anyone would have been shaken when powerful nations across the world launched such a massive attack. But we are made of a different soil," he said on Monday.

PM Highlights India’s Political Resolve After Nuclear Tests

PM Modi said India did not back down despite pressure from powerful countries after the nuclear tests.

“But on May 13, two more nuclear tests were conducted. That showed the world how unwavering India’s political will truly was," the prime minister averred.

He further declared that “no power in the world can suppress or force India to bow down."

Somnath Temple and Pokhran Tests Reflect India’s Confidence

The prime minister linked the Pokhran tests with the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple. According to him, both events represented India’s confidence, resilience, and civilisational strength.

He said the rebuilding of the Somnath Temple after Independence symbolised India’s cultural freedom and identity.

“Seventy-five years ago on this very day, the restoration of the Somnath Temple was not an ordinary occasion. If India attained independence in 1947, then the consecration of Somnath in 1951 proclaimed the spirit of India’s civilizational freedom," he said.

PM Modi Speaks on Repeated Attacks on Somnath

The prime minister also referred to the repeated destruction and rebuilding of the Somnath Temple throughout history.

“The invaders considered Somnath to be merely a physical structure and kept attacking it. It was destroyed again and again, and rebuilt every time," he said.

He stated that attackers failed to understand the strength of India’s faith, culture, and traditions.

Somnath Celebration Will Inspire Future Generations

PM Modi said the Somnath Amrut Parv is not only about celebrating history but also about inspiring future generations. According to him, the occasion will continue to inspire India for the next thousand years.