Prime Minister Modi celebrates Diwali with Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant, calls it a symbol of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’

Prime Minister Modi celebrates Diwali with Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant, calls it a symbol of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’

Panaji, October 20 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian Navy personnel aboard the country’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, describing it as a monumental symbol of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and a testament to India’s growing technological prowess and self-reliance.

As per agency report, the Prime Minister arrived in Goa on Sunday evening and boarded the indigenously built aircraft carrier stationed off the Goan coast. After embarking on INS Vikrant, he proceeded to the flight deck surrounded by MiG-29K fighter jets and witnessed both day and night operations, observing the fighter aircraft taking off and landing on the carrier’s short runway.

The evening also featured a vibrant cultural program by naval officers and sailors, who performed patriotic songs, including a special composition commemorating the Indian Armed Forces’ success in Operation Sindoor. Sources said the Prime Minister was deeply moved by the performance and the spirit of the naval personnel.

On Monday morning, Modi participated in a yoga session on the deck of INS Vikrant, followed by a spectacular display of warships in a steampast and aircraft in a flypast formation. He also addressed the naval officers with an inspiring speech and distributed sweets to mark the festive occasion.

The Prime Minister said that INS Vikrant is not merely a warship but a living example of India’s hard work, innovation, and commitment in the 21st century. He noted that the BrahMos missile has now become a symbol of strength that commands respect globally, with several countries expressing interest in purchasing it.

Expressing his emotions, Modi stated that celebrating Diwali with the armed forces was a special experience, adding that the energy and enthusiasm he witnessed among the naval personnel filled him with immense pride.

India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, was commissioned into the Navy in 2022. Described as a “floating city,” it is the largest warship ever constructed in India and the country’s second operational aircraft carrier after INS Vikramaditya. Prime Minister Modi has maintained the tradition of celebrating Diwali with India’s armed forces since 2014.