Goa/Karwar, October 20, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his decade-long tradition of marking Diwali with India's armed forces by spending the festival aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, off the coasts of Goa and Karwar. In an emotional address to naval personnel, PM Modi hailed the ship's formidable presence, stating that its mere name "sent waves of fear" across Pakistan and "gave them sleepless nights" during recent operations. He credited the seamless coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force for compelling Pakistan to surrender swiftly in Operation Sindoor, India's counterstrike to the Pahalgam terror attack earlier in 2025.Safari Flip 32L Casual Printed Backpack, 2 Compartments, Bottle Holder, Front Pocket, School Bag for Boys and Girls, College Bag, Office Bag, Travel Bag for Men and Women
Key Highlights from PM Modi's Address: Praise for INS Vikrant: Describing the 45,000-tonne carrier as a "symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Made in India" pride,
PM Modi said: "Just a few months ago, we witnessed how the very name Vikrant sent ripples of fear across Pakistan. Such is its might—a name that shakes the enemy’s morale even before the battle begins. This is the true power of INS Vikrant."Also Read; Ola Employee S**uicide: FIR Filed Against CEO; ₹17.46 Lakh Credited to Account After D*e*ath
Commissioned in September 2022, INS Vikrant is India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier, capable of operating over 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighters, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role choppers, and indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy variants.WEET Cotton T-Shirt and Pyjama Set for Men,Night Wear for Men,Men's Pyjama Set 122
Operation Sindoor Tribute: PM Modi lauded the tri-services synergy: "The fear created by the Indian Navy, the amazing skill displayed by the Indian Air Force, the bravery of the Indian Army, and the tremendous coordination of the three forces forced Pakistan to surrender so quickly in Operation Sindoor."
Emotional Diwali Message: Reflecting on the surreal setting,
the Prime Minister shared:
"Today, on one side I have infinite horizons, infinite sky, and on the other side I have this giant, INS Vikrant, embodying infinite powers. The glow of the sun’s rays on the ocean’s waters is like the Diwali lamps lit by brave soldiers. My Diwali has been special as it was spent amongst you."
This marks PM Modi's 11th consecutive Diwali with the armed forces since 2014—previous celebrations include borders in J&K (2014), Siachen (2016, 2018), Punjab (2017), Rajasthan (2019), Longewala (2021), and Kutch near the Indo-Pak border (2024). His visits underscore a personal commitment to boosting troop morale and reinforcing national security priorities.