PM Modi celebrates Diwali with Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali this year with the personnel of the Indian Navy aboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, off the coasts of Goa and Karwar. Addressing the troops, he described the occasion as memorable, saying, “Today is an amazing day. This scene is memorable. Today, on one side, I have the ocean, and on the other, I have the strength of the brave soldiers of Mother India.”

Reflecting on his time aboard the warship, PM Modi said, “The night spent yesterday on INS Vikrant is hard to put into words. I saw the immense energy and enthusiasm you all were filled with. When I saw you singing patriotic songs yesterday, and the way you described Operation Sindoor in your songs, no words can ever fully convey the experience that a jawan feels standing on a battlefield.” He added, “I am fortunate that this time I am celebrating this holy festival of Diwali among all you brave soldiers of the Navy.”

'India’s Defence Capabilities Expanding'

During his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s expanding defence capabilities, noting that defence production has more than tripled over the past decade and reached a record of around Rs 1.5 lakh crore last year. Since 2014, over 40 indigenous warships and submarines have been delivered to the Navy, with a new vessel being inducted roughly every 40 days. 

He also cited the success of missiles like BrahMos and Akash, which have proven their capabilities in operations and attracted international interest.

'BrahMos & Akash Proven Their Capability'

Speaking about Indian missiles, the PM said, "...Our missiles like BrahMos and Akash have also proven their capability in Operation Sindoor. The name BrahMos itself is so renowned that just hearing it makes many people anxious, wondering if BrahMos is coming. Today, many countries around the world want to purchase these missiles. Whenever I meet experts, they all express the same desire, that they too want access to them..."

India's Role in Global Maritime Security

The Prime Minister further emphasised India’s strategic role in global maritime security, observing that defence exports have increased more than 30 times in the past decade, aided by indigenous units and defence startups. 

He underscored the Indian Navy’s critical role in safeguarding maritime trade routes, noting that 66% of the world’s oil supply and 50% of global container shipments pass through the Indian Ocean, with the Navy acting as a guardian of these vital sea lanes.

'India on Verge of Being Free from Naxal-Maoist Terror'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Today, the nation is on the verge of being free from Naxal-Maoist terror. Before 2014, around 125 districts of the country were affected by Maoist violence. Due to a decade of persistent efforts, this number has reduced significantly. Now, out of 125, only 11 districts still show some influence of Maoists, and among these, the actual areas of impact are limited to just 3 districts." 

He further said, "For the first time, more than 100 districts are completely free from Maoist terror, breathing in the open air... People, for the first time, are emerging from fear and oppression and becoming part of the mainstream of development. In areas where Maoist-Naxal insurgents used to block roads, prevent schools from opening, stop hospitals from being built, destroy functioning schools, and even attack doctors and hospitals, highways are now being constructed, new industries are coming up, and schools and hospitals are shaping the future of local children..."

INS Vikrant

The 262-metre-long INS Vikrant has a full displacement of nearly 45,000 tonnes, making it significantly larger and more advanced than its predecessor. The carrier is powered by four Gas Turbines producing a total of 88 MW of power, enabling a maximum speed of 28 knots. The project, developed at a total cost of around Rs 20,000 crore, progressed in three contractual phases between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Limited, concluded in May 2007, December 2014, and October 2019 respectively.

The keel of the vessel was laid in February 2009, followed by its launch in August 2013. With an overall indigenous content of 76 per cent, INS Vikrant exemplifies India’s pursuit of "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat" and supports the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Vikrant has been equipped with a high level of automation for machinery operation, navigation, and survivability. The carrier is designed to operate a variety of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. Its air wing can include up to 30 aircraft, comprising MIG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, as well as indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy).

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with armed forces personnel near the Indo-Pak border in Kutch, highlighting his continued engagement with the nation’s defence forces during major festivals.