Modi's Diwali With Nowshera Brigade

IMAGE: The prime minister is escorted by Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar 'Joe' Joshi, the Northern Army commander (behind Modi), as he arrives at the Nowshera Brigade. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: This has been a Modi ritual since he became prime minister -- feeding soldiers sweets during Diwali. Photograph: PTI Photo

IMAGE: Brigadier H S Brar, Commander, Nowshera Brigade, watches Brigadier K K Singh, Commander, Chicken Neck Brigade, brief the prime minister on what the soldiers deployed with the brigades do to protect the nation from harm. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: The prime minister pays homage to soldiers who made the Supreme Sacrifice for the Motherland. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: 'Empires come and go, but India was eternal thousands of years ago, remains so today and will remain eternal thousands of years later. We don't perceive the nation as government, power or empire. For us, it is a living, present soul, defending this is not limited to defending just the geographical boundaries. For us national defence means defending this living national vibrancy, national unity, and national integration,' Modi told the soldiers. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Major General Rajeev Puri, VSM, General Officer Commanding Ace of Spades Division, left, Brigadier K K Singh, Commander, Chicken Neck Brigade, and Brigadier H S Brar, Commander, Nowshera Brigade, escort the prime minister. Photograph: PTI Photo

IMAGE: The prime minister is overwhelmed during this meeting with an Indian Army Veteran. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Interacts with senior army officers. Photograph: ANI Photo