PM Modi Celebrates Diwali 2025 Aboard INS Vikrant: Lauds Navy’s Role in ‘Operation Sindoor’, Praises Forces for Crushing Pakistan and Freeing 100 Districts from Maoist Terror
In his 12th consecutive Diwali with armed forces personnel, the Prime Minister shares sweets, joins patriotic songs, and hails indigenous INS Vikrant as a symbol of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ during a 40-minute address from Goa’s shores.
Panaji, October 20, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Diwali 2025 in a heartfelt display of solidarity with India’s naval warriors, spending the festival aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa. Arriving on Sunday, October 19, the Prime Minister immersed himself in the festivities, singing with sailors, feeding them sweets, and sharing a traditional ‘Bada Khana’ dinner. This marks his 12th consecutive year celebrating the festival of lights alongside the nation’s armed forces, a tradition that underscores his deep bond with the military.
The celebrations began on Sunday evening as PM Modi boarded INS Vikrant, India’s pride in self-reliant defense manufacturing. He engaged in detailed discussions with naval officers, gaining insights into the carrier’s advanced operations. The evening featured a spectacular view of a MiG-29 fighter jet taking off from the deck—first in daylight and later at night—highlighting the vessel’s combat readiness. Modi then joined the ‘Bada Khana,’ a revered armed forces tradition where officers and personnel dine together to foster unity and camaraderie. “This is not just a meal; it’s a bond that strengthens ‘we are one,'” the Prime Minister remarked during conversations at the table.
Monday morning brought a surge of festive energy. Modi personally distributed sweets to the sailors, chatting animatedly about their lives at sea. The group was treated to soul-stirring renditions of patriotic songs, with the PM clapping enthusiastically to the beats. The mood peaked as they collectively chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” echoing across the vast ocean. From this poignant setting—one side an endless sea, the other the unyielding might of INS Vikrant—Modi delivered a rousing 40-minute address, blending gratitude, national pride, and a vision for a stronger India.
In his speech, broadcast live from Goa’s coastline, PM Modi hailed INS Vikrant as more than a warship: “Our Vikrant is a grand symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India. It cleaves through oceans, reflecting India’s military prowess. Vikrant has just robbed Pakistan of its night’s sleep. A name that steals the enemy’s peace—that’s INS Vikrant.” He recalled the commissioning day when the Navy discarded a colonial-era ensign, adopting a new one inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji, marking a break from the past.
The address spotlighted the Indian armed forces’ triumphs in ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a recent joint operation that PM Modi credited with humbling Pakistan. “The terror instilled by our Navy, the awe-inspiring skill of the Air Force, and the Army’s valor—through the seamless coordination of all three services—forced Pakistan to its knees in record time,” he said, saluting the personnel aboard. “When the enemy stands before you, a nation that fights on its own strength holds the upper hand. Self-reliance is key to empowering our forces.”
Modi also turned to internal security victories, noting the dramatic decline in Maoist violence. “Before 2014, nearly 125 districts were gripped by Maoist terror. Through a decade of relentless effort, that number has dwindled to just 11, with active influence in only three. Over 100 districts, freed from this scourge for the first time, are breathing open air and celebrating a splendid Diwali today.” He painted a vivid transformation: “In areas where Maoists once bombed schools and gunned down doctors, industries, highways, and schools now rise—thanks to the sacrifices of our security forces.”
Praising the Navy’s global footprint, the PM highlighted its role in safeguarding vital sea lanes in the Indian Ocean. “Our Navy hoists the Tricolor on every island. In an interconnected world reliant on maritime routes, we ensure secure shipments and oil transport.” He lauded rescue missions for Indians stranded abroad, crediting the force’s valor for bolstering the diaspora’s trust. Modi also commended the Indian Coast Guard for round-the-clock synergy with the Navy. On the humanitarian front, he cited examples like ‘Operation Neer’ in the Maldives during a water crisis and aid to Indonesia post-2018 tsunami, positioning India as the world’s ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (global friend) in times of disaster.
Defense self-reliance took center stage, with Modi revealing: “On average, every 40 days, an indigenous warship or submarine joins the Navy fleet.” He spotlighted the BrahMos and Akash missiles: “The mere mention of BrahMos sends shivers; many nations now seek to acquire it.” Boasting a 30-fold surge in defense exports, he affirmed India’s push to become a top global exporter.
Reflecting personally, Modi shared: “Diwali draws us to family, and I’ve grown accustomed to celebrating with mine. That’s why I come to you. Since yesterday, I’ve been among you, learning from each one—from your austerity, dedication, and surrender at such heights. I couldn’t live it, but I felt it through your breaths and the spark in your eyes. It’s my fortune to mark this sacred festival with you brave souls of the Navy.”
This year’s observance continues a storied tradition. Over the past decade, Modi has visited border outposts and forward bases annually. He has spent Diwali four times in Jammu and Kashmir, including in the Naushera sector in 2021, where he arrived “not as PM, but as a family member of the jawans.” Other highlights include Siachen in 2014 (his first as PM), Kargil in 2022 with tributes to 1999 war heroes, and Longewala in 2020. Last year, in 2024, he was in Gujarat’s Kutch, sharing sweets with BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel.
As fireworks lit the sky and diyas glowed aboard INS Vikrant, Modi’s message resonated: a nation fortified by its guardians, illuminating paths of peace and progress. The celebrations, captured in evocative images—from jet takeoffs to shared meals—serve as a testament to the unbreakable spirit uniting India’s leadership and its defenders.
