INS Vikrant Gave Sleepless Nights to Pakistan: PM Modi Celebrates Diwali Aboard Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

Continuing his decade-long tradition of celebrating Diwali with the armed forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spent the festival of lights with Navy personnel aboard India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, off the coast of Goa and Karwar (Karnataka).

Addressing hundreds of sailors and officers on deck, the Prime Minister said he was “fortunate to celebrate the holy festival with the guardians of India’s maritime frontiers.”

“Today is an amazing day. This moment is unforgettable. On one side, I have the vast ocean, and on the other, the strength and courage of the brave soldiers of Mother India,” he told the gathering.

‘INS Vikrant Gave Sleepless Nights to Pakistan’

Lauding the Navy’s prowess and jointness among the three services, Modi said their extraordinary coordination during Operation Sindoor had forced Pakistan into a swift surrender.

“Just a few months ago, we saw how INS Vikrant, by its name alone, gave sleepless nights to Pakistan. A name that shakes the courage of the enemy – that is INS Vikrant,” the Prime Minister said in Hindi.

“The fear instilled by the Navy, the skill of the Air Force, and the bravery of the Army – together, their coordination compelled Pakistan to surrender so quickly during Operation Sindoor,” he added.

Push for Self-Reliance in Defence

Reiterating his government’s commitment to Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), Modi said strengthening the armed forces through indigenous capabilities was a national priority.

“Self-reliance is essential for a strong military. In the past decade, our forces have identified over a thousand items that will no longer be imported. Today, most essential equipment for the Army is being produced in India,” he said.

Highlighting progress in defence manufacturing, Modi noted that India’s defence production had more than tripled in 11 years, while the Navy alone had received over 40 indigenously built warships and submarines since 2014.

India Emerging as a Defence Export Hub

The Prime Minister said India was steadily building global credibility as a defence exporter, citing the success of indigenous missile systems such as BrahMos and Akash, which had proven their capability during Operation Sindoor.

“The name BrahMos itself worries some people – they start wondering if BrahMos is coming their way,” he said with a smile.

“Many countries now want to buy these missiles. Our aim is to make Bharat one of the top defence exporters in the world. In the last decade, our defence exports have increased more than thirtyfold,” Modi said.

Aboard INS Vikrant: Yoga, Air Display, and Camaraderie

During his visit, the Prime Minister followed a packed schedule of engagements. He participated in a morning yoga session on the flight deck, witnessed a ceremonial steam-past and fly-past, and interacted with officers and sailors.

Later, surrounded by MiG-29K fighter jets, Modi watched an air power demonstration, which included takeoffs and landings from the carrier’s short runway – both by day and night. He also exchanged Diwali greetings and distributed sweets among Navy personnel.

A Continuing Tradition

Since assuming office in 2014, Modi has celebrated Diwali with troops deployed in remote and challenging areas – from Siachen and Sumdo in the north to Rajouri, Kargil, and Sir Creek along the western front – as a gesture of solidarity and gratitude toward those serving on the nation’s frontlines.

Team BharatShakti