PM Modi Celebrates Diwali Aboard INS Vikrant, Calls it a Symbol of Self-Reliant India.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked this year’s Diwali celebrations with the Indian Navy by spending the festival aboard the country’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Speaking from the deck of the warship, the Prime Minister hailed the vessel as a testament to India’s growing defence prowess, its strides in self-reliance, and the indomitable spirit of its armed forces.
Addressing Navy personnel on board, Modi said, “INS Vikrant is not just a warship, it is a testimony to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact, and commitment.” Describing the aircraft carrier as a towering symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India, he added that its presence on the high seas reflects India’s growing maritime strength and technological capabilities.
Highlighting the significance of the day, Modi said, “On one side lies the vast ocean, and on the other, the immense strength of Mother India’s brave soldiers.” Drawing a poetic parallel between the sunlight dancing on the waves and the lamps of Diwali, he said it was a moment of pride to celebrate the festival with the armed forces safeguarding the nation’s frontiers.
A Night on INS Vikrant
Recalling his overnight stay on the warship, Modi described the deep silence of the ocean and the dawn’s first light as unforgettable. From the deck of Vikrant, he extended Diwali wishes to the entire nation, saying the festival was made even more meaningful by the bravery of the forces.
He reminded the audience that on the day INS Vikrant was commissioned, India also shed a colonial relic as the Navy adopted a new flag inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The warship, he said, has since become a symbol of Indian sovereignty, military excellence, and indigenous capability.
Operation Sindoor and India’s Military Transformation
Modi paid tribute to the armed forces’ role in Operation Sindoor, where coordinated action by the Navy, Air Force, and Army forced Pakistan’s surrender. He said this operation showcased the remarkable synergy among the three services and underlined India’s military might.
He also emphasized the strategic importance of self-reliance in defence, noting, “The side that possesses the strength to fight independently always holds the advantage.” He highlighted a decade-long transformation, during which India has moved steadily toward reducing defence imports and boosting domestic production.
He revealed that since 2014, over 40 indigenous warships and submarines have been delivered to the Navy and now, a new vessel is inducted approximately every 40 days. Defence production has tripled in 11 years, crossing Rs. 1.5 lakh crore last year.
India’s Global Role in Defence and Security
The Prime Minister underscored India’s ambition to become one of the top defence exporters globally. With missiles like BrahMos and Akash now attracting international buyers, India’s defence exports have surged over 30 times in a decade.
He also highlighted India’s evolving role as a global humanitarian force. From supplying clean water to the Maldives in 2014 during Operation Neer to providing flood relief in Sri Lanka, tsunami aid to Indonesia, and rescue efforts in Myanmar, Mozambique, and Madagascar, India, he said, has stood by nations in need.
Navy as the Guardian of the Indian Ocean
Reinforcing the Navy’s pivotal role, Modi stated that “The Indian Navy stands as the guardian of the Indian Ocean,” protecting not only India’s interests but also global maritime trade routes. With two-thirds of global oil and half of all container shipments passing through the Indian Ocean, the Navy ensures security and stability across this strategic zone.
He also praised the Navy’s role in national integration, recalling the initiative to hoist the national flag on every Indian island on Republic Day.
Maoist Terrorism Nearly Eliminated
Marking a major internal security achievement, Modi declared that “India has achieved a significant milestone — the eradication of Maoist terrorism.” He noted that before 2014, 125 districts were affected by Naxal violence. Today, that number is down to just 11, with only three districts still significantly impacted.
He described how development is now reaching formerly conflict-affected areas, with infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and industries replacing fear and violence. People in many districts are celebrating Diwali for the first time in generations, with bustling markets and economic activity marking a new era.
Nation-Building and the Armed Forces
The Prime Minister praised the tireless service of the Army, Navy, Air Force, BSF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, CRPF, CISF, and intelligence agencies, highlighting their roles from the highest peaks to the deepest seas. He lauded the Indian Coast Guard for securing India’s coastline around the clock in close coordination with the Navy.
As India rises on the global stage, Modi said, it is fulfilling the aspirations of 140 crore citizens. “India is progressing rapidly and fulfilling the dreams of 140 crore citizens. From the ground to space, achievements once considered beyond imagination are now becoming reality.”
Concluding his address, he stated that the forces are not just defenders of the present but leaders of the future. “The mountain peaks where our soldiers stand firm will remain as victory pillars of India, and the mighty waves of the ocean beneath them will echo India’s triumph.”
With a resounding “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” the Prime Minister once again extended Diwali wishes to all Indians, dedicating the celebration to the unwavering courage and service of the armed forces.
