Goa . Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with brave soldiers of Indian Navy on board INS Vikrant. He celebrated this sacred festival with the brave soldiers of the Indian Navy, which was not only a military festival but also proved to be a symbol of unity and self-reliance of the nation.
Off the coast of Goa and Karwar, Diwali dazzled even the depths of the sea on this giant indigenous ship. This visit of the Prime Minister, which has become a part of tradition, was this time dedicated to the brave soldiers of the Navy. He said, “I am fortunate that this time I am celebrating this holy festival of Diwali among all you brave soldiers of the Navy. It is a moment of privilege for me that I am with those brave men who guard the sea borders day and night.”
He described INS Vikrant as a living symbol of India’s self-reliance. He said, “This ship is not just a collection of metal and machines, but the fruit of the hard work of lakhs of our artisans, engineers and scientists. When we built it with indigenous technology, the world saw that India can no longer depend on imports. Our goal in the golden age of independence is a developed India, and such ships strengthen us in that direction.”
Regarding India’s growing maritime dominance, the Prime Minister praised the courage of the Navy and the strategic strength of INS Vikrant. He said that it is not just a warship. It is a testament to the ingenuity, determination and global influence of 21st century India. Highlighting the ship’s vital role in recent operations, he said, “INS Vikrant demonstrated the valor of the Indian Armed Forces, forcing Pakistan to surrender within a matter of days during Operation Sindoor.”
When PM Modi landed on the deck of INS Vikrant, he was welcomed in a traditional manner by Navy officers and soldiers. The atmosphere on the ship was festive with garlands, rangoli and traditional Diwali dishes. He first offered prayers with the soldiers and then addressed them. PM Modi mentioned the government’s policies to promote indigenous manufacturing in the defense sector. He said that in the last decade, defense exports have increased from Rs 1,500 crore to Rs 21,000 crore, which is a testimony to the success of the ‘Make in India’ campaign.
Addressing naval personnel on board INS Vikrant deployed in Goa on the occasion of Diwali, PM Modi said, “Our missiles like BrahMos and Akash have proved their capability even in ‘Operation Sindoor’. The name BrahMos in itself is so famous that many people get worried on hearing it and wonder if BrahMos is coming.” PM Modi said that many countries are now interested in purchasing these missiles. “Whenever I meet experts they all express the same desire that they also want access to these missiles,” he said.
Emphasizing on the country’s growing defense capabilities, he said, “India is building the capacity to export equipment for all three services. We aspire to become a top defense exporter in the world, growing 30 times in the last 11 years.” The Prime Minister also said that on an average, a new indigenous warship or submarine is being commissioned into the Indian Navy every 40 days, which shows the country’s rapid progress in defense manufacturing.