Continuing his tradition of celebrating festivals with the armed forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent this Diwali aboard India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, sending a strong message of maritime power and national pride.
In an address to Navy officers and sailors, Modi hailed India’s growing naval capability, declaring that the “enemies of the nation lose sleep when they hear the name Vikrant.”
“INS Vikrant has sent waves of fear across Pakistan and inspired confidence in every Indian. This ship symbolizes the Atmanirbhar Bharat spirit,” the Prime Minister said to loud applause.
A festival of strength
The celebration featured lamps, sweets, and a ceremonial interaction with officers. Modi lit diyas on deck alongside Navy personnel, calling them “the protectors of India’s 7,500-km coastline.”
“While the country celebrates Diwali in homes, our soldiers celebrate it guarding the borders and the seas,” he said. “This Diwali, India is celebrating both light and strength.”
Focus on self-reliance
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for indigenization in defense, saying India must produce its own equipment to reduce dependency on imports.
He praised the Navy’s efforts in adopting domestic technologies and announced that “more Made-in-India ships” will soon join the fleet.
His comments echoed the government’s Make in India vision and came amid rising regional tensions in the Indian Ocean.
Subtle strategic message
Observers see the visit as a deliberate signal to Pakistan and China amid growing naval competition in the Indo-Pacific.
“By celebrating Diwali on a warship that symbolizes India’s power projection, Modi sent a clear message — India is ready to defend its interests,” said defense expert Commodore (Retd.) Anil Bakshi.
PM’s letter to the nation
Separately, Modi released a letter urging citizens to “adopt swadeshi and respect all languages”, linking cultural pride to national development.
He cited “historic achievements” in India’s economy, space, and defense, calling 2025 “a year of transformation.”
Human touch
As he distributed sweets to Navy officers, Modi praised their families for “sacrificing festivals for the nation.” The crew of INS Vikrant responded with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” creating an emotional moment on deck.
Public reaction
Social media was flooded with pictures and hashtags like #DiwaliWithNavy and #INSVikrant, with citizens applauding the Prime Minister’s gesture.
Conclusion
From symbolism to strategy, Modi’s Diwali with the Navy reflects both national emotion and geopolitical messaging — blending festival spirit with a powerful reminder that India’s strength lies on both land and sea.
