Won't succumb to pressure on national security: PM Modi

New Delhi: Underscoring the importance his government attaches to the country's defence forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said it won't succumb to pressure or influence in matters of national security.

Speaking at a commemorative function on Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) stadium in New Delhi, Modi said, "The nation's security has been impregnable and it will remain so.

Modernisation of defence forces is our key priority." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also graced the occasion. In his opening speech, Modi said winning the Kargil was a testament of India's strength, patience, sanctity and discipline.

"It was the victory of every Indian's expectations," he said. Modi recalled his visit to Kargil during the war and said it was like a pilgrimage to him.

"I had gone to Kargil 20 years ago when war was at its peak, the enemy was playing its games sitting on high peaks.

Death was staring in the face yet our jawans, carrying the tricolour, wanted to reach the valley before anyone. It was like a pilgrimage to me," he said.