Goa/Karwar, India — Continuing his annual tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2025 with the Indian Armed Forces, spending the festival of lights with Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, stationed off the coasts of Goa and Karwar (Karnataka) on Monday.
A Celebration of Strength and Patriotism
Addressing hundreds of sailors and officers on deck, PM Modi Diwali 2025 speech was filled with emotion and national pride. He expressed gratitude to the “brave soldiers of Mother India” for their dedication and sacrifice.
“Today is an amazing day. This moment is truly memorable. On one side, I have the endless ocean, and on the other, the unmatched strength of our brave warriors,” said PM Modi.
He compared the sparkling reflection of the sun on the sea to the glowing Diwali diyas, symbolizing the courage and spirit of India’s defenders. “The rays of the sun on the ocean look like Diwali lamps lit by our soldiers,” he said, calling the Navy personnel “the protectors of India’s pride and sovereignty.”
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "… Just a few months ago, we witnessed how the very name Vikrant sent waves of fear across Pakistan. Such is its might — a name that shatters the enemy’s courage even before the battle begins. This is the power of INS Vikrant… On… pic.twitter.com/TL03Z9CFdg
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2025
INS Vikrant: Symbol of a Self-Reliant India
PM Modi emphasized that INS Vikrant is not just a warship, but a “living symbol of India’s self-reliance, innovation, and determination.” The warship, entirely designed and built in India, showcases the nation’s capability to produce world-class defense equipment independently.
“INS Vikrant is a reflection of 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, and commitment. It embodies the power of our engineers, scientists, and soldiers working together for the nation’s security,” the Prime Minister said.
He also recalled the ship’s critical role during Operation Sindoor, a joint military operation launched earlier this year. The mission, carried out by India’s armed forces in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, targeted terror infrastructure across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and parts of Pakistan.
“INS Vikrant Gave Sleepless Nights to Pakistan”
Referring to the success of Operation Sindoor, PM Modi remarked that INS Vikrant played a key role in India’s rapid and effective response.
“INS Vikrant gave sleepless nights to Pakistan. Within days, it brought them to their knees,” he said, highlighting the Navy’s coordination with the Army and Air Force during the operation.
He praised the extraordinary teamwork of the three services that led to India’s swift victory. “The combined might of our forces during Operation Sindoor compelled the enemy to surrender,” Modi stated.
A Night of Pride and Patriotism
PM Modi shared his personal experience of spending a night aboard INS Vikrant, describing it as one of the most emotional and inspiring moments of his life.
“The night I spent on INS Vikrant is hard to describe in words. The energy, the discipline, and the patriotic songs sung by the Navy personnel filled me with pride,” he said.
He spoke about watching the sailors sing about Operation Sindoor, calling it a reminder of the sacrifices and bravery that define India’s military spirit. “No words can ever describe the feeling of a soldier standing on the battlefield, ready to protect his nation,” he added.
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PM Modi’s Message of Gratitude on Diwali 2025
The PM Modi Diwali 2025 celebration once again underlined his long-standing tradition of spending Diwali with the armed forces. Since taking office in 2014, he has celebrated the festival every year with soldiers stationed at different borders and military bases — from Siachen and Kargil to Rajasthan and the Northeast.
“It is my fortune that I celebrate Diwali with the guardians of the nation,” Modi said, adding that the spirit of the festival represents the triumph of light over darkness, courage over fear, and unity over division.
A Message Beyond Borders
International observers noted that PM Modi’s presence on INS Vikrant sends a strong geopolitical message about India’s maritime strength and commitment to peace through power. As tensions in the Indo-Pacific region continue, the Prime Minister’s symbolic Diwali visit highlights India’s readiness and resilience.
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Conclusion
The PM Modi Diwali 2025 celebration aboard INS Vikrant was more than a festive gesture—it was a tribute to India’s growing naval strength and a reaffirmation of the nation’s faith in its armed forces. As diyas glowed over the Arabian Sea, the moment symbolized not just celebration, but also India’s enduring spirit of unity, courage, and national pride.
