Keeping with his practice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates Diwali with Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel along the Indo-China border on Sunday.
Modi, who as Prime Minister had celebrated his first Diwali in 2014 with army in Siachen and second one last year on the Punjab border with Pakistan, will spend time on the border with China on the occasion of festival of lights.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is accompanying the Prime Minister on his trip to Mana, located at an altitude of about 10,000 feet.
Modi is also expected to visit Badrinath, one of the holiest temples of Hindus, which is located nearby, they said.
Earlier today, Modi lauded the courage of Indian soldiers through his radio programme “Mann Ki Baaat” and thanked the nation for sending them Diwali messages.
"From last few months, our jawans (soldiers) are sacrificing their lives, we should celebrate this Diwali in their name," Modi said while speaking on Mann Ki Baat, his monthly radio address.
Modi also applauded the soldiers for their undying love and sacrifice for the country and said that this Diwali was dedicated to them.
"Every citizen of the country is proud of our soldiers," he said.
"People from walks of life sent messages of love and encouragement for our jawans (soldiers), just as they lit candles for their well being,' he added.
Modi also said that the #Sandesh2Soldiers hashtag was used by a lot of people and "we were flooded with well wishes and love for jawans from citizens".
"I also have to thank the citizens of the nation for their support and love for our security forces and jawans (soldiers) protecting us," he said.
