1 / 11Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning made a surprise visit to Leh to interact with soldiers of the Indian Army, Air Force and the ITBP.2 / 11The PM’s visit to Nimoo, at 11,000 ft on the banks of Indus river, in Ladakh came days after a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh.3 / 11Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief MM Naravane.4 / 11PM Modi and Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat reached Leh around 9.30 am.5 / 11As PM reached Nimoo, PM Modi was also briefed by senior Army officers. Located at 11,000 feet, Nimoo is among the toughest terrains, on the banks of river Indus and surrounded by the Zanskar range.6 / 11This is the first visit by a minister during border dispute with China. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was supposed to visit Ladakh, which was reportedly rescheduled.7 / 11Amid simmering tensions between India and China, the Prime Minister had said in his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio address that India has given a befitting reply to those who cast an evil eye on its territory in Ladakh.8 / 11He had said while the country honours the spirit of friendship, it is also capable of giving an appropriate response to any adversary.9 / 11Paying tributes to the 20 Army men killed in the violent face-off, PM Modi had also said India's brave soldiers have shown that they will not allow the nation's pride to be hurt.10 / 11The enemy has seen your fire and fury as well,’ PM Modi told the soldiers in an address telecast live from Ladakh to the country. PM Modi also referred to the violent clash between soldiers of India and China at Galwan on 15 June and paid his tributes to soldiers who laid down their lives.11 / 11PM Modi underscored that India had always pursued the path of peace in the world but at the same time, those who are weak can never initiate steps for peace. “Bravery and courage is a prerequisite for peace,” he said.