New Delhi, October 20 (Daily Kiran): Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, in Goa on Monday. Addressing the sailors, the Prime Minister hailed the Navy as the “Guardian of the Indian Ocean” and described INS Vikrant as a symbol of India’s talent, hard work, and self-reliance in the 21st century.
Modi said INS Vikrant represents “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, reflecting the nation’s growing strength in defense manufacturing. “Vikrant is not just a warship — it is vast, powerful, unique, and a shining proof of India’s determination, dedication, and technological excellence,” he said.
Recalling the day Vikrant was commissioned, Modi noted that the Navy also adopted a new ensign inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, marking the end of a colonial symbol. Calling the armed forces his “family,” Modi said he prefers spending Diwali with soldiers who protect the nation. “I have made it a tradition to celebrate Diwali among my family — and you are my family,” he told the sailors.
Focus on Self-Reliance in Defense
Highlighting India’s progress toward defense self-sufficiency, Modi said that the armed forces have identified thousands of defense items that will no longer be imported. “In the last 11 years, India’s defense production has tripled to over ₹1.5 lakh crore,” he said, adding that since 2014, more than 40 indigenous warships and submarines have been handed over to the Navy. “Now, every 40 days, a new vessel joins the fleet,” he noted.
He also mentioned the success of BrahMos and Akash missiles, which have drawn international interest. India’s defense exports, he said, have increased 30-fold in the past decade, as the country moves towards becoming a global supplier of defense equipment.
Operation Sindoor and Security Achievements
The Prime Minister also referred to Operation Sindoor, praising the coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, which he said “forced Pakistan to surrender swiftly.” He lauded the armed forces for helping India achieve “historic success” in eradicating left-wing extremism, reducing Naxal-affected districts from 125 in 2014 to just 11 today.
Role of the Indian Navy
Emphasizing the Navy’s strategic importance, Modi said, “India’s Navy safeguards global maritime routes that carry 66% of the world’s oil supply and 50% of global container traffic through the Indian Ocean.” He added that the Navy’s mission-based deployments, anti-piracy patrols, and humanitarian relief operations demonstrate India’s growing global responsibility.
Citing India’s maritime humanitarian missions, Modi said the Navy played crucial roles in Operation Neer (Maldives water crisis), flood relief in Sri Lanka, and disaster missions in Indonesia, Myanmar, Mozambique, and Madagascar. He also mentioned India’s successful evacuation operations in conflict zones like Yemen and Sudan, which saved both Indian and foreign nationals.
“India’s armed forces — on land, sea, and air — stand as symbols of courage and service to the motherland,” he said, commending the efforts of the Army, Air Force, BSF, ITBP, CRPF, CISF, and Assam Rifles in protecting the nation’s borders and maintaining peace.
INS Vikrant: A Symbol of National Pride
Commissioned in 2022 and built by Cochin Shipyard, INS Vikrant represents a milestone in India’s defense self-reliance. The 262-meter-long warship can carry 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighters and multi-role helicopters, underscoring India’s indigenous naval capability.
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