October 20, 2025

In a dazzling Diwali celebration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent the festival onboard India’s home-built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, cruising off the coast of Goa. Modi called INS Vikrant a towering symbol of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' — a self-reliant India, shining bright like a beacon of national pride. The Prime Minister arrived quietly on Sunday evening, a low-key journey that kept the excitement under wraps. Once aboard the mighty INS Vikrant, Modi headed straight to the flight deck, where MiG 29K fighter jets rested in majestic silence. Imagine the thrill as he watched these powerful jets take off and land on the short runway — both by day and under the cloak of night! The atmosphere turned even more vibrant with a cultural show where Navy officers and sailors burst into patriotic songs. Not just any songs — they performed a special tune written to honor the success of Indian Armed Forces in Operation Sindoor. Sources said Modi was deeply moved by this emotional moment. Dinner aboard the carrier, called Bara Khana, saw Modi dining with the extended Navy family, sharing stories and sweets while celebrating the festival of lights together. Monday morning unfolded with a peaceful Yoga session on the ship’s deck, after which Modi witnessed an electrifying steam past of warships and a stunning flypast by aircraft. He energized the Navy personnel with an inspiring speech, highlighting the ship’s incredible story. "INS Vikrant is not just a warship. It is a testimony to 21st-century India's hard work, talent, impact and commitment," Modi said proudly. He also reminded the crowd how the BrahMos missile name "strikes fear in some minds," and is attracting buyers from many countries. Reflecting on his time aboard, Modi said, "Last night spent onboard INS Vikrant is hard to put into words. I saw the immense energy and enthusiasm you all were filled with. When I saw you singing patriotic songs yesterday, and the way you described Operation Sindoor in your songs, no words can ever fully convey the experience that a jawan feels standing on a battlefield. My Diwali has been special as it was spent amongst you." INS Vikrant, India’s first home-built aircraft carrier, was commissioned in 2022 and is often called a "city on the move" for its sheer size — the largest warship ever built in India. It is the second operational carrier after INS Vikramaditya, which was made in Russia. Since 2014, PM Modi has made it a tradition to celebrate Diwali with India’s armed forces, mixing heartfelt patriotism with a dash of celebration. This year’s visit to INS Vikrant added a fiery chapter to that story, bursting with pride, power, and the spirit of India shining bright during Diwali.

Read More at Thehindubusinessline →

Tags: Narendra modi, Ins vikrant, Diwali celebration, Indian navy, Aatmanirbhar bharat, Operation sindoor,