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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the armed forces personnel during Diwali celebration on board the INS Vikrant today. Mentioning that today is a remarkable day, a remarkable moment, and a remarkable sight, Shri Modi highlighted that on one side lies the vast ocean, and on the other, the immense strength of Mother India’s brave soldiers. He noted that while one side presents the infinite horizon and boundless sky, the other side showcases the colossal might of INS Vikrant, embodying infinite power. The Prime Minister observed that the sparkle of sunlight on the sea resembles the lamps lit by valiant soldiers during Deepavali, forming a divine garland of lights. He expressed his privilege in celebrating this Diwali among the brave personnel of the Indian Navy.
Recalling his night spent aboard INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister stated that the experience is difficult to put into words. He described the deep night at sea and the sunrise as making this Diwali especially memorable in many ways. From INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt Diwali greetings to all 140 crore citizens of the country.
Recalling the moment when INS Vikrant was handed over to the nation, Shri Modi stated that at the time, he had remarked—Vikrant is grand, immense, panoramic, unique and exceptional. “Vikrant is not merely a warship; it is a testament to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact, and commitment”, emphasised the Prime Minister. He reminded that on the very day the nation received the indigenously built INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy renounced a major symbol of colonial legacy. He highlighted that inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Navy adopted a new flag.
“INS Vikrant today stands as a powerful symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, emphasising that the indigenously built INS Vikrant, slicing through the ocean, reflects India’s military prowess.
Shri Modi expressed his special salute to the Indian Armed Forces on this occasion. He highlighted that the fear instilled by the Indian Navy, the extraordinary skill demonstrated by the Indian Air Force, and the bravery of the Indian Army, along with the exceptional coordination among all three services, compelled Pakistan to surrender swiftly during Operation Sindoor. He affirmed that all personnel involved are truly deserving of congratulations.
The Prime Minister expressed pride that over the past decade, India’s forces have steadily advanced towards self-reliance. He noted that the armed forces have identified thousands of items that will no longer be imported, resulting in most essential military equipment now being manufactured domestically. He highlighted that in the last 11 years, India’s defence production has more than tripled, crossing Rs. 1.5 lakh crore last year. Citing another example, Shri Modi informed the nation that since 2014, Indian shipyards have delivered over 40 indigenous warships and submarines to the Navy. He added that currently, on average, a new indigenous warship or submarine is being inducted into the Navy every 40 days.
“Missiles like BrahMos and Akash have proven their capabilities during Operation Sindoor. Several countries around the world are now interested in purchasing these missiles”, said the Prime Minister, emphasising that India is building the capacity to export weapons and equipment for all three armed forces. “India’s goal is to be counted among the world’s top defence exporters”, affirmed Shri Modi, stating that over the past decade, India’s defence exports have increased more than 30-fold. He credited this success significantly to the contributions of defence start-ups and indigenous defence units.
“India’s armed forces have served the nation across all domains—land, sea, and air—and under every circumstance”, exclaimed Shri Modi highlighting that the Navy is deployed in the seas to safeguard India’s maritime boundaries and trade interests, while the Air Force remains committed to securing the skies. On land, from scorching deserts to icy glaciers, the Army, along with BSF and ITBP personnel, stand firm like a rock. He further acknowledged that across various fronts, personnel from SSB, Assam Rifles, CRPF, CISF, and intelligence agencies are steadfastly serving Mother India.
Prime Minister Shri Modi stated that due to the valour and courage of India’s security forces, the nation has achieved a major milestone—the eradication of Maoist terrorism. 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”, emphasised the Prime Minister, highlighting the momentum, the progress, the transformation, and the growing development and confidence of the nation. He affirmed that the armed forces play a vital role in this grand task of nation-building. Shri Modi declared that 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. Amidst this roar, one unified voice will rise—’Bharat Mata Ki Jai!’ With this enthusiasm and conviction, the Prime Minister concluded by once again extending heartfelt Diwali greetings to all.