PM Modi Celebrates Diwali With Indian Navy on INS Vikrant
This Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to spend the festival of lights not in the comfort of his home, but amid the brave warriors of the Indian Navy aboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier. In his address, PM Modi praised the valour of the armed forces and said, “INS Vikrant gave sleepless nights to Pakistan during the 1971 war and continues to be a symbol of India’s maritime strength today.”
The visit reflected Modi’s long-standing tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers stationed on borders or at sea, a gesture aimed at honoring their dedication to national security.
A Tradition of Celebrating with Soldiers
Since taking office in 2014, PM Modi has made it a point to spend every Diwali with India’s defence personnel. From Siachen Glacier to Kargil, from the Rajasthan border to Andaman, he has taken the festival to some of the most remote and high-risk regions of the country.
This year’s visit aboard INS Vikrant, anchored at the Kochi Naval Base, symbolizes India’s growing maritime prowess and the government’s emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence manufacturing.
INS Vikrant – The Pride of Indian Naval Power
Commissioned in September 2022, INS Vikrant (IAC-1) is India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. With a displacement of around 45,000 tonnes, the carrier can operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, and advanced naval aircraft.
The ship stands as a testament to Indian engineering and self-reliance, making India one of the few nations capable of designing and building its own aircraft carrier.
PM Modi hailed INS Vikrant as a “floating city” and “a beacon of India’s technological strength.” He also emphasized how its predecessor — the original INS Vikrant, played a decisive role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, blockading Pakistan’s ports and ensuring India’s victory in the Bay of Bengal.
PM Modi’s Message to the Armed Forces
Addressing the sailors and officers on board, PM Modi said,
“You protect the nation without worrying about your own festivals. The entire country celebrates Diwali today because of your courage and sacrifice. The light of our lamps glows brighter because of your service.”
He further lauded the Navy’s modernization drive, acknowledging recent initiatives like the Agniveer recruitment scheme, Make in India projects, and indigenous warship production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Diwali on Deck: A Symbol of Unity and Strength
During the visit, PM Modi lit a ceremonial lamp with naval personnel and interacted with officers, sailors, and their families. The deck of INS Vikrant came alive with diyas, patriotic songs, and cultural performances by naval artists.
The Prime Minister shared sweets with the Navy officers, emphasizing that the festival of lights is also a celebration of the “spirit of service and sacrifice.” He thanked their families for supporting the nation silently from behind the scenes.
India’s Expanding Naval Footprint
India’s Navy plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s vast maritime borders and trade routes. The commissioning of indigenous ships like INS Vikrant and INS Visakhapatnam, along with the modernization of submarines and maritime patrol systems, signifies a new era of naval dominance.
PM Modi underlined that India is emerging as a key security provider in the Indo-Pacific region, partnering with friendly nations to ensure peace and stability at sea.
A Diwali Message of Strength and Patriotism
As the lamps flickered on the massive flight deck, PM Modi’s Diwali celebration symbolized the light of self-reliance, courage, and national pride. He concluded his speech with a heartfelt tribute:
“INS Vikrant is not just a ship; it is a living embodiment of India’s strength and determination. It gave sleepless nights to our enemies in the past — and it continues to guard our seas with the same power and pride.”
Conclusion
PM Modi’s Diwali celebration aboard INS Vikrant was more than a symbolic gesture—it was a tribute to India’s naval heroes and a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The event showcased not just the strength of India’s armed forces, but also the spirit of unity, resilience, and pride that defines every Indian festiva
