Modi vows to defend India in Independence Day speech

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India is strong enough to defend itself from forces that "try to act against the country", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an Independence Day speech on Tuesday even as the nearly two months' military standoff in the Donglang area with China continues.

India on Tuesday marked its 71st Independence Day. The highlight of Tuesday's celebrations was in the capital New Delhi, where Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort. Notably, Modi is the India's first PM born after the country gained independence from Britain in 1947

The Independence Day speech is often regarded as significant where the PM lists out his vision for the nation.

A worker fixes a lamp post in front of the India Gate on the eve of Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi, India, August 14, 2017. /Reuters Photo

"Security is our top priority," Modi said. "Be it the sea or the borders, cyber or space - in all spheres, India is capable and we are strong enough to overcome those who try to act against our country," the Hindu nationalist leader declared.

This Indian leader's remarks came amid the ongoing Sino-Indian standoff in Donglang area. There is still little sign of an end in sight.

The dispute arose in mid-June when Indian troops crossed the boundary in the Sikkim sector at the Donglang area and advanced more than 100 meters into Chinese territory.

Although Indian troops have decreased from a high of 400, there are still 53 of them and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory as of August 7, according to Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping leave after a group picture during BRICS Summit in Benaulim, in the western state of Goa, India, October 16, 2016. /Reuters Photo

The Asian neighbors went into a month-long border war in 1962 due to the border disputes, which ended in China's victory.

India is also stuck in a border row with Pakistan. As 70 years ago British India was divided into two new independent nations: India and Pakistan, chaos broke out in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir with both sides claiming the territory.

India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over control of Kashmir. Today, they each administer part of it, separated by a heavily militarized line of control.

Since division, both the sides have not resolved the Kashmir border issue. While Pakistan marks Independence Day on August 14 each year, India celebrates the occasion a day later.