Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali in a truly patriotic spirit this year by spending the festival with India’s naval heroes aboard the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, off the coast of Goa. The visit not only symbolized his deep respect for the armed forces but also showcased India’s growing naval strength and self-reliance under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
A Diwali Amid the Waves: PM Modi Joins Sailors at Sea
In an extraordinary gesture of solidarity and appreciation, Prime Minister Modi boarded INS Vikrant on Diwali eve to celebrate the festival of lights with the brave men and women of the Indian Navy.
The massive 45,000-tonne warship—India’s pride and a symbol of maritime prowess—was anchored in the Arabian Sea, radiating with lights and festive decor.
Dressed in his signature navy-blue jacket and white kurta, PM Modi arrived on deck to a ceremonial welcome. The sailors stood in formation, and the air reverberated with the tunes of the naval band playing patriotic melodies. The Prime Minister greeted the officers warmly, lighting diyas alongside them in a symbolic gesture of spreading light, courage, and national pride even at sea.
“Celebrating Diwali with our brave soldiers is always special,” PM Modi said in his address to the personnel. “You protect our borders, our coasts, and our skies so that every Indian can celebrate peacefully at home. The nation is proud of each one of you.”
Witnessing the Air Power of India’s Blue Water Navy
While aboard INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister experienced a breathtaking Air Power Demonstration that highlighted India’s naval aviation capabilities. Surrounded by MiG-29K fighter jets, PM Modi watched as naval pilots executed precision take-offs and landings on the short runway of the carrier—both during daylight and at night.
The display showcased the extraordinary skill and discipline of Indian Navy aviators who operate in challenging conditions on the high seas. The MiG-29Ks roared into the sky, performing complex maneuvers that lit up the horizon with power and precision.
According to Navy officials, the demonstration was designed to exhibit “the full spectrum of naval air operations,” including quick launches, night recoveries, and emergency response drills.
PM Modi, visibly impressed, applauded the pilots and engineers for their professionalism and dedication. “India’s maritime warriors inspire confidence in every citizen. The performance I witnessed today is proof of our readiness, capability, and courage,” he remarked.
INS Vikrant: A Symbol of India’s Naval Renaissance
Commissioned in September 2022, INS Vikrant (IAC-1) is a testament to India’s technological capability and naval self-reliance. Built at the Cochin Shipyard Limited, it represents decades of indigenous design and development.
The warship measures 262 meters in length, has a top speed of 28 knots, and can accommodate over 1,600 crew members, including officers, sailors, and aircrew. Its flight deck is equipped to handle a variety of aircraft, including MiG-29Ks, Kamov and MH-60R helicopters, and the upcoming Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) under development.
For Prime Minister Modi, who inaugurated the carrier three years ago, returning aboard INS Vikrant on Diwali was not only symbolic but deeply personal. “Vikrant embodies the spirit of new India—bold, self-reliant, and capable of defending its interests on every front,” he said during his interaction with officers.
A Cultural Evening to Remember: Songs of Courage and Devotion
As the sun set over the Arabian Sea, the evening aboard INS Vikrant turned festive. The ship’s deck transformed into a stage for a vibrant cultural program, organized entirely by naval personnel. Officers and sailors sang patriotic songs, performed skits, and showcased their artistic talents in a heartwarming celebration of India’s spirit.
Among the highlights was a song specially written and composed by the sailors themselves to commemorate the success of Operation Sindoor, a recent naval mission that underscored the strategic dominance of the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean Region.
The emotional performance brought smiles and applause from PM Modi, who praised the creativity and morale of the naval crew. “Your energy, discipline, and passion reflect the strength of our nation. You are the pride of India,” he said.
The Prime Minister also interacted with families of naval officers through a video call, extending Diwali greetings and acknowledging their sacrifices. “Behind every soldier stands a family that gives them strength. I salute them with equal respect,” he noted.
Operation Sindoor: A New Chapter in Maritime Security
The song performed by the crew paid homage to the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, a classified but widely acknowledged maritime security operation conducted earlier this year. Though official details remain limited, defense sources have described it as a major success in protecting India’s interests in the Indo-Pacific and ensuring the safety of sea lanes vital for global trade.
PM Modi lauded the mission as a “shining example of India’s resolve to protect peace and sovereignty in the region.” His words resonated strongly with the sailors, who had participated in the operation and understood its importance in securing India’s maritime frontiers.
Lighting the Deck: A Diwali of Patriotism and Pride
As darkness descended, the carrier’s deck glittered with thousands of diyas, symbolizing victory of light over darkness and courage over fear. PM Modi joined the officers in lighting lamps, offering prayers for the safety of all soldiers stationed across borders, seas, and skies.
The aircraft carrier illuminated against the night sky became a breathtaking sight—a floating fortress aglow with patriotic fervor. The Prime Minister watched as the MiG-29Ks performed a special “light-up flypast”, streaking through the sky in synchronized formation, leaving trails of brilliance that mirrored the festive fireworks seen across India’s cities.
PM Modi’s Message: ‘Nation’s Safety Is Our First Festival’
Addressing the crew, PM Modi delivered a powerful Diwali message centered on service, discipline, and dedication.
“For our armed forces, every day is a duty, every moment is vigilance. While the country celebrates Diwali with lights and sweets, you guard our coasts and skies so that we can sleep peacefully. The nation owes its festive joy to your silent service.”
He also spoke about India’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities, emphasizing that “India is not only protecting itself but also becoming a trusted partner in global security.”
PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing the Navy, strengthening maritime infrastructure, and investing in indigenous defense technology. He praised the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Cochin Shipyard, and naval engineers for their role in building INS Vikrant.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Vision
The Prime Minister’s visit also highlighted India’s expanding focus on maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. With increasing geopolitical challenges and global trade routes passing through the Indian Ocean, India’s naval readiness has become central to its foreign and defense policy.
Under the Sagarmala and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiatives, India aims to enhance blue-water capabilities, strengthen port infrastructure, and deepen cooperation with allied nations in the Indo-Pacific.
By choosing to celebrate Diwali at sea, PM Modi sent a clear signal about India’s priorities—honoring the forces that safeguard its maritime interests and emphasizing that the defense of the nation’s frontiers, both land and sea, remains paramount.
INS Vikrant: A Festival of Indigenous Might
INS Vikrant has quickly become a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense. Built with over 75% indigenous components, it is a monumental achievement in India’s quest for self-reliance. From its hull design to its advanced radar and communication systems, Vikrant embodies decades of Indian engineering expertise.
Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar, who accompanied PM Modi during the visit, said, “INS Vikrant is not just a ship—it is a statement. It reflects India’s ability to design, develop, and deploy world-class naval assets.”
The Navy plans to eventually operate two full-fledged aircraft carrier battle groups (CBGs), allowing India to maintain a constant presence in both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. PM Modi reaffirmed the government’s support for this goal, stating that “India must always remain prepared, proactive, and proud.”
A Day of Festive Camaraderie and National Spirit
Throughout the day, PM Modi mingled freely with officers and sailors, sharing stories, posing for photographs, and even sampling traditional sweets prepared in the ship’s galley. The crew, many of whom were away from their families during the festival, described the visit as “an unforgettable morale boost.”
Lieutenant Commander Ananya Sharma, one of the ship’s aviators, said, “It feels like the entire nation is with us tonight. Having the Prime Minister celebrate Diwali with us reminds us that our service is recognized and valued.”
The event concluded with the national anthem echoing across the deck, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the Arabian horizon. As the Prime Minister departed the vessel, sailors lined the deck in salute, their faces illuminated by the glow of the lights and the pride of service.
A Diwali That Illuminated India’s Spirit
Prime Minister Modi’s Diwali celebration aboard INS Vikrant will be remembered as more than a ceremonial visit—it was a reaffirmation of India’s maritime destiny and a tribute to those who defend it.
From witnessing the dazzling air power demonstration of MiG-29Ks to joining sailors in song and celebration, the visit encapsulated the harmony of tradition, technology, and national pride. It was a Diwali not just of lamps, but of leadership—illuminating the hearts of millions of Indians with a message of courage, unity, and strength.
As PM Modi said in his parting words,
“Wherever the tricolor flies—on land, in the skies, or across the seas—India shines bright. This Diwali, INS Vikrant has shown the light of India’s courage to the world.”
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