Pakistan, July 23 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged "stringent punishment" for those involved in exam fraud, making his first direct comments on the student protests that have become one of the biggest public challenges to his government in recent years.

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In a post on social media platform X on Thursday, Modi said the welfare and future of young people remained the government's top priority and announced plans to establish fast-track courts to prosecute those responsible for question paper leaks.

"Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth," Modi said, adding that those who attempt to jeopardise students' futures "will not be s...