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<\/p>\nTFP Bureau, New Delhi, October 21,2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali this year with the Indian Navy aboard the country\u2019s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, symbolising India\u2019s growing self-reliance in defence and technological excellence. Addressing the armed forces personnel, the Prime Minister described the occasion as a remarkable and unforgettable moment, surrounded by the boundless ocean on one side and the strength of India\u2019s brave soldiers on the other. He said the glimmering sunlight over the sea resembled lamps lit by the valiant defenders of the nation, forming a divine garland of light on the occasion of Diwali.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister shared that spending a night aboard the warship was an emotional and inspiring experience. He called the dawn over the ocean a sight that would remain etched in his memory. From INS Vikrant, he extended Diwali greetings to 140 crore citizens, dedicating the celebration to the spirit and courage of India\u2019s armed forces.<\/p>\n
Referring to INS Vikrant as not just a warship but a living symbol of 21st-century India\u2019s hard work, skill, and determination, Modi highlighted its significance in the nation\u2019s journey towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He recalled that when the ship was commissioned, India also took a decisive step away from its colonial past by introducing a new naval ensign inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He described INS Vikrant as a \u201ctowering emblem of India\u2019s self-reliance\u201d and said the ship\u2019s very name evokes fear among adversaries.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister saluted the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force for their coordination and courage, recalling the combined military effort during Operation Sindoor that compelled Pakistan\u2019s surrender. He said this spirit of jointness continues to define India\u2019s modern military operations and strength.<\/p>\n
Emphasising the importance of self-reliance in defence, Modi said that India\u2019s armed forces have identified thousands of items for indigenisation and are now largely dependent on domestic production. He noted that India\u2019s defence manufacturing output has more than tripled in the past decade, crossing \u20b91.5 lakh crore last year. Since 2014, Indian shipyards have delivered more than 40 indigenous warships and submarines, with a new vessel being inducted every 40 days on average.<\/p>\n
Highlighting India\u2019s growing prowess in defence exports, Modi cited the global demand for indigenously developed missiles like BrahMos and Akash, which demonstrated their effectiveness during Operation Sindoor. He said India\u2019s goal is to emerge as one of the world\u2019s top defence exporters, noting that the nation\u2019s defence exports have increased more than thirtyfold in the last ten years, with significant contributions from start-ups and private manufacturers.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister underlined that India\u2019s philosophy of power has always been guided by the principle of \u201cGyanaya Daanaya Cha Rakshanaya\u201d\u2014where knowledge, prosperity, and strength are used for the service and protection of humanity. He praised the Indian Navy\u2019s critical role in ensuring the security of global maritime routes, noting that 66 percent of the world\u2019s oil trade and 50 percent of container traffic pass through the Indian Ocean. \u201cThe Indian Navy stands as the guardian of the Indian Ocean,\u201d he said, adding that the force plays a crucial role in anti-piracy missions, humanitarian operations, and regional security collaborations.<\/p>\n
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He also recalled India\u2019s humanitarian missions across the world\u2014Operation Neer in the Maldives, disaster relief in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar, Mozambique, and Madagascar\u2014stressing that India has always stood ready to help nations in times of crisis. He said the armed forces have conducted numerous evacuation operations from war-torn regions such as Yemen and Sudan, saving both Indian and foreign lives.<\/p>\n
Highlighting the significant achievement of India\u2019s security forces, Modi announced that the country is now on the verge of being completely free from Maoist terrorism. He said that before 2014, 125 districts were affected by Left-Wing Extremism, but today, the number has reduced to just 11, with only three severely impacted. The Prime Minister said that development, infrastructure, and normal life have returned to areas once dominated by fear and violence. \u201cFor the first time, people in these regions are celebrating Diwali without fear,\u201d he said, noting record purchases and celebrations in these districts under the GST Bachat Utsav.<\/p>\n
He credited this transformation to the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices of India\u2019s armed and security forces, including the BSF, CRPF, ITBP, Assam Rifles, and Coast Guard. \u201cFrom the scorching deserts to icy heights, from land to sea and air, every soldier, sailor, and airman is standing firm to protect the nation,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said India\u2019s rapid progress\u2014from the ground to space\u2014reflects the collective strength of its people and the leadership of its defence forces. \u201cOur armed forces are not just part of the current\u2014they shape its direction, lead its momentum, and embody the spirit of a new India,\u201d he said. \u201cThe peaks where our soldiers stand guard will remain eternal symbols of victory, and the waves that kiss our shores will echo the chant of Bharat Mata Ki Jai.\u201d<\/p>\n
With that, Modi once again extended his Diwali greetings, celebrating the courage, self-reliance, and spirit of India\u2019s defenders aboard the pride of the nation\u2014INS Vikrant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Aboard India\u2019s indigenously built aircraft carrier, the Prime Minister lauds the nation\u2019s defence self-reliance, salutes the armed forces, and declares the end of Maoist terrorism<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4175,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[116,210],"tags":[708],"class_list":["post-4174","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-breaking-news","category-pmo","tag-ins-vikrant"],"yoast_head":"\n