PM Hailed Surgical Strike, But His Speech Had Little For Soldiers

This year’s speech was Modi’s shortest, and obvious for what it did not mention- foreign policy, writes Ashok Mehta.

The buzz, in the corridors of Service Headquarters in South Block, about Prime Minister Modi’s fourth Independence Day speech was that it was more about what he did not say than what he did on defence and national security.

Tradition, protocol and ceremonial customs are sacred for men in uniform and their hallmark. In a major breach of traditions and customs, the GoC Delhi Area, who has led all Republic day parades and escorted Prime Ministers to the dais on Independence days and therefore the man of the match, was missing from his customary place behind the Prime Minister for the first time this year.