The North News
New Delhi, October 20
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian Navy personnel on board INS Vikrant, calling the moment “remarkable” and symbolic of the nation’s growing military might. Addressing the armed forces on Monday , Modi described the aircraft carrier as a “powerful symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India”, highlighting its strategic importance. “On one side lies the vast ocean, on the other the strength of Mother India’s brave soldiers,” he said, likening the reflection of sunlight on the sea to “a divine garland of lights”.
He recalled spending the night aboard Vikrant, describing the deep sea and sunrise as making this Diwali “especially memorable”. He extended festival greetings to all 1.4 billion citizens from the deck of the carrier.
The Prime Minister reflected on the day Vikrant was commissioned, calling it “grand, immense and exceptional”. He noted how the Navy had adopted a new flag inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, shedding a colonial legacy.
Modi said the ship’s name alone had “disturbed the sleep of Pakistan”, underlining its deterrent power. He also saluted the armed forces, citing their decisive coordination during Operation Trident (also referred to as Operation Sindoor), which led to Pakistan’s swift surrender.
Highlighting India’s defence progress, he said the armed forces had identified thousands of items to be indigenously produced. “In the last 11 years, India’s defence production has tripled, crossing ₹1.5 lakh crore,” he said.
He added that since 2014, Indian shipyards have delivered over 40 warships and submarines, with a new vessel inducted every 40 days on average. “When war is imminent, the side that can fight independently holds the advantage,” Modi said, emphasising the need for self-reliance.
