New Delhi, October 20 (Udaipur Kiran): Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian Navy personnel aboard the country’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in Goa on Monday. Describing the vessel as a symbol of INDIA’s talent, hard work, and self-reliance, the Prime Minister hailed the Navy as the “Guardian of the Indian Ocean.”
Addressing the sailors, Modi said India’s defence forces have made significant strides toward self-reliance over the past decade. He noted that the military has identified thousands of items that will no longer be imported. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he praised the exceptional coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, saying it compelled Pakistan to surrender swiftly.
The Prime Minister described INS Vikrant as a pillar of Atmanirbhar Bharat, calling it a reflection of India’s growing military capability. “Vikrant is vast, grand, unique, and special — a testament to 21st-century India’s determination and excellence,” he said. Modi recalled that the day India commissioned the indigenous carrier, the Navy also adopted a new ensign inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, shedding colonial symbols.
Calling the armed forces his “family,” the Prime Minister said he now makes it a tradition to celebrate Diwali with soldiers. “It has become my habit to celebrate Diwali among my family members — and you are my family,” he said warmly.
Modi highlighted India’s success in curbing Maoist insurgency, stating that the number of Naxal-affected districts has reduced from 125 to just 11 since 2014. “Over 100 districts are now free from left-wing extremism and are celebrating development for the first time,” he added.
Emphasizing India’s progress in defence manufacturing, Modi said the country’s defence production has tripled in the last 11 years, surpassing ₹1.5 lakh crore. Since 2014, more than 40 indigenously built warships and submarines have been commissioned, with a new vessel joining the Navy roughly every 40 days. He noted that missiles like BrahMos and Akash have proven their capabilities and attracted global buyers, leading to a 30-fold increase in defence exports over the past decade.
Highlighting India’s maritime importance, the Prime Minister said the Indian Navy plays a vital role in securing global sea routes, as 66% of the world’s oil supply and 50% of container traffic pass through the Indian Ocean. He lauded the Navy’s role in anti-piracy patrols, humanitarian missions, and international partnerships under the “Maritime Vision” framework.
Modi also recalled India’s contributions to disaster and evacuation missions, including Operation Neer in the Maldives, flood relief in Sri Lanka, and rescue efforts in Indonesia, Myanmar, Mozambique, and Madagascar. He said the Indian armed forces — on land, sea, and air — remain steadfast in their devotion to the motherland.
INS Vikrant, built by Cochin Shipyard and commissioned in 2022, marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward defence self-reliance.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.