Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent Diwali on India’s first home‑built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, docked off the coast of Goa. The visit was a clear statement of India’s growing naval strength and a reminder to Pakistan that the country is ready to defend its maritime interests.
### Modís Diwali message to the Indian Navy
Modi praised the crew’s courage and energy. “These ships, aircraft and submarines are powerful instruments, but it is the heroism of the navy that makes them invincible,” he told the sailors. He also spoke about the night he spent on the carrier, calling it an emotional experience that added momentum to the nation’s patriotic spirit. His remarks were meant to boost morale and reinforce the bond between the armed forces and the government.
### Why INS Vikrant matters
Commissioned in September 2022, INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier. The 45‑tonne vessel can carry more than 30 aircraft, including MiG‑29K fighters and several helicopters. It is equipped with modern radar, electronic‑warfare systems, and a ski‑jump deck that helps launch jets. The carrier is the centerpiece of a “mobile war centre,” supported by frigates, submarines, and supply ships.
By projecting power across the Arabian Sea, the carrier can monitor and strike targets up to 400 km away. Its deployment sends a strong message to Pakistan – the carrier’s reach threatens key strategic sites such as Karachi and the Gwadar port.
### Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s response
Modi pointed out that INS Vikrant had been “invaluable during recent operations,” citing Operation Sindoor, a naval exercise in which Pakistan was forced to retreat. The carrier’s presence in the region is seen as a deterrent and a way to assure India’s maritime security.
The boat’s deployment in the Arabian Sea has ripple effects on Pakistan’s defence strategy. With the carrier’s advanced surveillance and strike capabilities, Islamabad must rethink its naval posture along its western coast.
### A signal of self‑reliance
The event also showcased India’s push toward self‑reliance in defence manufacturing. By building a powerful carrier on home soil, India demonstrates its capability to create sophisticated warships without heavy reliance on foreign suppliers.
In a region that’s becoming increasingly strategic for the Indo‑Pacific, India’s naval expansion signals its intent to play a central role in shaping future maritime security. Through visits such as Modi’s aboard INS Vikrant, the country is sending a clear message: we’re building capability, strengthening our navy, and protecting our interests both locally and globally.
Source: ianslive
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