Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently celebrated Diwali with Indian Navy personnel aboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. He described the day as special, surrounded by the vast ocean and the brave soldiers of India. The gleam on the water mirrored the lights of Diwali, symbolizing the resilience and courage of the armed forces.
Reflecting on his past experience aboard the Vikrant, Modi expressed pride in India’s military advancements. He emphasized that the ship represents a commitment to self-reliance, highlighting that the Indian Navy had let go of colonial-era symbols by adopting a new flag inspired by historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
INS Vikrant isn’t just a warship; it’s a powerful symbol of modern India’s efforts in defense and technology. The Prime Minister noted the significance of homegrown military equipment, stating that India has drastically increased its defense production, which tripled over the last decade. He mentioned that Indian shipyards are now delivering a new indigenous warship or submarine every 40 days.
Recent data supports this progress: India’s defense exports surged over 30 times in the last ten years, thanks to contributions from startups and indigenous units. This aligns with a broader goal of establishing India as one of the top defense exporters globally.
In addition to military prowess, Modi emphasized the Indian Navy’s role in global stability, noting that a significant portion of the world’s oil and container traffic passes through the Indian Ocean. He positioned the Navy as a guardian of these routes, ensuring both national security and international cooperation.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s humanitarian efforts, recalling missions where the Indian Navy provided aid to countries like Maldives and Sri Lanka during crises. In his speech, he underscored the importance of collaborative actions, stating that India’s maritime vision contributes to regional and global development.
Furthermore, Modi shared progress in tackling domestic issues like Maoist violence. Since 2014, the number of districts affected by such extremism has decreased significantly—from around 125 to just 11—thanks to the ongoing efforts of the armed forces.
As India celebrates milestones in defense and development, Modi reminded citizens that the armed forces are integral to the nation’s growth story. With determination and unity, he believes the country is poised for a bright future, echoing the spirit of resilience found in every citizen.
In his concluding remarks, he extended warm Diwali wishes to all Indians, celebrating not just the festival but the nation’s progress and potential.
Source link
Ins vikrant, Pm modi, Diwali greetings, Indian navy, Armed forces, Military strength, Aatmanirbhar bharat, Made in india, Indigenous warship, Defence production, Brahmos missile, Akash missile, Defence exports
