Join PM Modi in Celebrating Diwali aboard INS Vikrant with Our Brave Navy Heroes!

New Delhi, October 20 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian Navy personnel on the INS Vikrant, India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, in Goa. He called the Vikrant a testament to India’s skills and self-reliance, referring to the Navy as the “Guardian of the Indian Ocean.”

While addressing the sailors, Modi praised the strides in India’s defense self-sufficiency over the past decade. Notably, the military has pinpointed various items to stop importing, boosting local production. He mentioned “Operation Sindoor,” highlighting seamless teamwork between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, which led to rapid success against adversaries.

He described INS Vikrant as a fundamental part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative—reflecting India’s growing military power. Modi also noted changes like adopting a new Navy ensign inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, moving away from colonial legacies.

Celebrating Diwali with the armed forces has become a personal tradition for Modi. “You are my family,” he warmly expressed to the sailors.

The Prime Minister highlighted a significant achievement: since 2014, the number of districts affected by Maoist insurgency has dropped from 125 to just 11. “Over 100 districts are now free from left-wing extremism,” he noted.

India’s defense production has tripled in the last 11 years, surpassing ₹1.5 lakh crore. More than 40 indigenous warships and submarines have been commissioned since 2014, with a new vessel joining the Navy approximately every 40 days. Indian-made missiles, like BrahMos and Akash, are gaining international attention, causing defense exports to grow thirty-fold.

Modi emphasized the strategic role of the Indian Navy in safeguarding global sea routes. With 66% of the world’s oil supply and 50% of container traffic crossing the Indian Ocean, the Navy’s work in anti-piracy patrols and humanitarian missions has become increasingly crucial.

INS Vikrant, constructed by Cochin Shipyard and commissioned in 2022, signifies a major step towards defense self-reliance for India. Historical data shows that when India commissioned its first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in 1961, it marked a different era of naval capability. Today, this new carrier sets the stage for a more self-sufficient defense future.

As noted by experts, the focus on indigenous manufacturing not only fortifies defense but also has wider economic benefits. According to a recent report from the Ministry of Defence, local defense production not only creates jobs but also boosts the economy by fostering technological innovation.

In an era where national resilience is paramount, Modi’s Diwali celebration aboard the INS Vikrant reinforces the pride and commitment towards India’s armed forces and their significant role in the nation’s security and progress.

For more insights into India’s defense advancements, check out the Ministry of Defence reports.

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