PM Modi Celebrates Diwali with Navy Personnel Aboard INS Vikrant, Calls It a Symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Panaji, India: October 20, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2025 with the Indian Navy personnel aboard the indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, off the coast of Goa. Continuing his annual tradition of spending the festival with India’s armed forces since 2014, Modi described INS Vikrant as a monumental embodiment of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and 21st-century India’s talent, courage, and commitment.
A Night Aboard INS Vikrant
Arriving discreetly on Sunday evening, the Prime Minister spent the night onboard INS Vikrant, witnessing day and night-time take-offs and landings of MiG-29K fighter jets on the flight deck. He later attended a vibrant cultural programme featuring patriotic songs performed by naval officers, including one dedicated to Operation Sindoor. Deeply moved, Modi shared that the night under the stars at sea and the sunrise made this Diwali “especially memorable”.
Lighting up the seas with patriotism and pride! 🇮🇳✨
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) October 20, 2025
PM Modi celebrated Diwali aboard INS Vikrant, the pride of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, among our courageous Navy heroes. Salute to their service and spirit! ⚓🔥#INSVikrant #IndianNavy #AatmanirbharBharat #PMModi #Diwali2025 #JaiHind… pic.twitter.com/GKkQcWe9ru
A Testament to Self-Reliant India
In his address to Navy personnel, Modi stated that INS Vikrant is not just a warship but a symbol of self-reliance under the Make in India initiative. He reminded that the warship’s commissioning marked the Navy’s adoption of a new flag inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, signifying the end of colonial legacies. He added that the name Vikrant itself instills fear in enemies and stands for India’s growing maritime dominance.
The Prime Minister also praised India’s progress in indigenous defence production, highlighting that the country’s defence manufacturing has tripled in the past decade. He emphasized the goal of making India one of the world’s top defence exporters, supported by defence startups and Indian shipyards that now deliver new domestic warships every 40 days.
Operation Sindoor and the Navy’s Role
Acknowledging the success of Operation Sindoor, Modi applauded the Indian Navy’s coordination with other armed forces that compelled Pakistan to surrender swiftly. He highlighted India’s homegrown missiles — like BrahMos and Akash — as examples of technological excellence that have attracted interest from several nations. Modi reiterated that India is working to strengthen all three defence wings through indigenous innovation.
Guardians of the Indian Ocean
Emphasizing the strategic importance of the seas, Modi called the Indian Navy the guardian of the Indian Ocean, ensuring maritime trade safety and stability in a region where 66% of the world’s oil supply and half of global container shipments pass. He lauded the Navy’s humanitarian missions such as Operation Neer in Maldives, relief for Sri Lanka and Indonesia, and rescue operations in Mozambique and Madagascar, affirming India’s role as a trusted global partner.
A Festival of Patriotism and Pride
The Prime Minister concluded his speech by saluting the courage of all armed forces and expressing pride in celebrating Diwali among the sailors of the Indian Navy. “INS Vikrant stands not just as India’s naval strength but as a shining symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he affirmed, extending festive greetings to the entire nation from aboard the aircraft carrier.
