TLDR : Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2025 with Navy personnel on INS Vikrant. He praised India's defense forces, highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, and promoted India’s growing self-reliance in defense production. He shared sweets, sang with sailors, and called the Navy his "family".
What Happened
- PM Modi celebrated Diwali on October 20, 2025, aboard INS Vikrant, off Goa and Karwar.
- This was his 12th consecutive Diwali with armed forces since 2014.
- Modi took part in yoga at sunrise, shared sweets at the Navy’s Bara Khana, attended a cultural program, and called Navy personnel his “extended family”.
Operation Sindoor and National Security
- Modi praised the Army, Navy, and Air Force for coordinated efforts in Operation Sindoor, launched after a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025.
- He stated:
- He said missiles like BrahMos and Akash “proved their capabilities” during the operation, and many countries now want to buy them.
- On INS Vikrant’s role, Modi said:
“The extraordinary coordination among the three services together compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor.”
“Its very name gave Pakistan sleepless nights during Operation Sindoor.”
Defense Self-Reliance and Exports
- Modi described INS Vikrant as a symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and "Made in India" strength.
- He stated:
- Since 2014:
- Over 40 indigenous warships/submarines have been delivered.
- Defense production tripled to ₹1.5 lakh crore.
- Exports increased 30-fold.
“Our goal is to make India one of the world’s top defence exporters.”
Naval and Maritime Role
- Modi highlighted:
- He praised the Navy’s role in disaster relief, anti-piracy missions, and its presence across the Indian Ocean.
“The Indian Navy guards sea routes through which 66% of India’s oil supplies and 50% of global trade pass.”
Other Security and Development Highlights
- Maoist violence has dropped from 125 districts (pre-2014) to 11, with only 3 severely affected.
- Modi said:
- He credited the forces for enabling development in previously terror-hit regions.
“Millions are now celebrating Diwali freely after generations of fear.”
Symbolism and National Vision
- Modi recalled replacing colonial naval symbols in 2022 with ones inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- He reaffirmed India’s ‘Mahasagar Maritime Vision’, supporting the Global South through humanitarian aid and development partnerships.
Quotes from PM Modi
- “INS Vikrant is not just a warship but a testimony to 21st-century India's hard work, talent, impact, and commitment.”
- “Missiles like BrahMos and Akash have proven their capabilities during Operation Sindoor.”
- “India’s armed forces have served the nation across all domains, land, sea, and air, and under every circumstance.”
- “The mountain peaks where our soldiers stand firm will remain as victory pillars of India, and the mighty waves... will echo India’s triumph.”