GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th Oct: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with the armed forces on board India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant today, calling it a “testament to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, and commitment.”
Addressing Navy personnel, the Prime Minister said INS Vikrant embodies the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India. “Vikrant is not just a warship—it is a towering symbol of India’s strength and determination,” he said, recalling that the Indian Navy had renounced colonial symbols and adopted a flag inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Reflecting on India’s growing defence capabilities, PM Modi said that over the past decade, India has moved decisively towards self-reliance. “More than 40 indigenous warships and submarines have been delivered since 2014. Defence production has tripled, surpassing ₹1.5 lakh crore,” he said, adding that India’s defence exports have increased over 30-fold, positioning the country among the world’s emerging arms exporters.
Praising the synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Prime Minister recalled their coordination during Operation Sindoor, which compelled Pakistan to surrender. “The Indian Navy stands as the guardian of the Indian Ocean,” he noted, underscoring its global role in ensuring maritime stability and humanitarian operations.
In a major announcement, PM Modi said India is on the verge of eliminating Maoist terrorism, with the number of affected districts falling from 125 to just 11. “Millions who once lived in fear are now celebrating Diwali freely. This transformation is the result of our forces’ courage and sacrifice,” he said.
Highlighting India’s global role, Modi cited humanitarian missions like Operation Neer in the Maldives, flood relief in Sri Lanka, and evacuation efforts in Yemen and Sudan as examples of India’s growing stature as a “global companion.”
Concluding his address, PM Modi saluted the valour of India’s armed forces, declaring, “The mountain peaks where our soldiers stand firm will remain victory pillars of India, and the mighty waves of the ocean beneath them will echo the chant—‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai!’”
