Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali aboard India’s newly built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in Goa on Monday. The event drew officers and sailors from the Indian Navy, Army and Air Force, giving Modi a chance to thank the armed forces for their teamwork during Operation Sindoor.
“Operation Sindoor shows how the Navy, Air Force and Army can work together,” Modi said. He praised the courage shown by the troops and highlighted the coordinated effort that helped Pakistan surrender quickly.
Modi described INS Vikrant as “a symbol of self‑reliant India and ‘Made‑in‑India’ strength.” He noted that the carrier’s name alone can unsettle enemies and pointed out that the ship reflects India’s growing naval capability. “When war comes, a nation that can fight on its own has the advantage,” he added. “The more weapons we make ourselves, the stronger our forces become.”
The prime minister highlighted India’s defence production, which has more than tripled in the last 11 years, reaching a record ₹1.5 lakh crore last year. Since 2014, the Navy has taken delivery of over 40 warships and submarines built in Indian shipyards. Today, a new vessel joins the fleet every 40 days.
He praised India’s missile systems, saying BrahMos and Akash proved their worth in Operation Sindoor. “The name BrahMos alone makes enemies nervous,” Modi said. India is expanding its export capacity and aims to become one of the world’s top defence exporters.
Speaking emotionally to the sailors, Modi said Diwali is a special time to share family moments. He compared the navy crew to his own family, adding that the ship’s iron hull comes alive when its crew steps aboard.
When INS Vikrant was commissioned, the navy adopted a new flag inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, replacing a colonial‑era symbol. Modi concluded by sending warm Diwali greetings to millions of citizens from the carrier’s deck.
Source: ianslive
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