PM Narendra Modi continues tradition, celebrates Diwali with Armed forces

By R Anil Kumar

• From Siachen to the Arabian Sea: PM Modi’s unbroken decade of Diwali with armed forces

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi celebrates Diwali on board the INS Vikrant

• INS Vikrant is not just a warship, it is a testimony to 21^st century India’s hard work, talent, impact and commitment: PM Modi

• INS Vikrant is a towering symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India: PM Modi

• Over the past decade, our defence forces have steadily moved towards becoming self-reliant: PM Modi

New Delhi. For over a decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed his Diwali celebration into a national ritual, choosing to celebrate the festival of lights with the nation’s armed forces at its most challenging frontiers, plains or mountains.

This unique tradition reached a new height this year as Prime Minister Modi spent the festival of lights with Navy personnel aboard the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously-built aircraft carrier, off Goa and Karwar coasts on Monday, October 20.

Addressing the sailors and officers on the deck of the formidable warship, PM Modi reaffirmed the core message of his annual pilgrimage: That the men and women in uniform are his “family.”

“It has become a habit of mine to celebrate Diwali with my family, and that’s why every year I come to celebrate Diwali with my family,” he said.

Describing the powerful scene of the indigenous carrier at sea, he remarked: “Today, on one side, I have infinite horizons and infinite sky, and on the other side, I have this giant, INS Vikrant, embodying infinite powers.”

‘Always by your side’

The origin of this practice predates his tenure as Prime Minister. It began in Gujarat in 2001, when then Chief Minister Modi chose to spend his first Diwali (as CM) in Kutch, a region grappling with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake.

He chose the most challenging circumstances and the people in greatest need of support, a principle he carried forward, according to a post on X by Modi Archive, a social media page dedicated to narrating the life journey of PM Modi including videos and audio recordings.

In 2009, while still Gujarat Chief Minister, his visit to Nathu La on the Indo-China border cemented his philosophy. His inscription in the visitor’s book — stating that the soldiers’ duty is not just service but ‘sadhana’ (spiritual striving) and ‘tapasya’ (penance) — concluded with the defining promise: “Always by your side.”

“To the brave soldiers devoted to our Motherland, my warm Diwali greetings. It has been my privilege to celebrate Diwali with our jawans on the border.

India is proud of you. Your duty is not just service; it is ‘sadhana’, it is ‘tapasya’. May the Almighty bless you and your families with happiness, peace, and fulfilment. Always by your side. Narendra Modi. Diwali. 16 October 2009,” he wrote.

Diwali with armed forces on India’s frontiers

Since 2014, PM Modi has upheld this pledge year after year, transforming it into a defining feature of his leadership. Each visit is meticulously chosen, often selecting posts that represent the most challenging frontiers and strategic locations.

His first Diwali as Prime Minister in 2014 set a high bar, celebrated with troops at the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield. Following years saw him traverse the nation’s most sensitive border area, with the Punjab border in 2015, the high-altitude post of Sumdoh near the China border in Himachal Pradesh in 2016, and the difficult terrain of the Gurez sector in North Kashmir in 2017.

He has also celebrated Diwali with the Defence forces in Harsil in Uttarakhand (2018), Rajouri in Jammu & Kashmir (2019), the legendary desert post of Longewala in Rajasthan (2020), Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir (2021), Kargil in Ladakh (2022) Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh (2023), and Sir Creek in Gujarat (2024).

This year’s visit to the INS Vikrant off the coasts of Goa and Karwar powerfully expanded this tradition, underscoring the critical role of India’s naval strength and maritime security.

Major morale booster for armed forces

This tradition set by PM Modi serves multiple purposes beyond a mere symbolic gesture. It is a significant morale booster for the armed forces, conveying a sense of genuine connection from the nation’s highest office to the individual soldier standing guard in the remotest locations.

By sharing the warmth of the festival in the cold, isolated outposts or on the high seas, he effectively brings the “family” of the entire nation to the border.

PM Modi addresses the Armed Forces aboard the INS Vikrant

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the armed forces personnel during Diwali celebration on board the INS Vikrant. Mentioning that it is a remarkable day, a remarkable moment, and a remarkable sight, Shri Modi highlighted that on one side lies the vast ocean, and on the other, the immense strength of Mother India’s brave soldiers. He noted that while one side presents the infinite horizon and boundless sky, the other side showcases the colossal might of INS Vikrant, embodying infinite power.

The Prime Minister observed that the sparkle of sunlight on the sea resembles the lamps lit by valiant soldiers during Deepavali, forming a divine garland of lights. He expressed his privilege in celebrating this Diwali among the brave personnel of the Indian Navy.

Recalling his night spent aboard INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister stated that the experience is difficult to put into words. He described the deep night at sea and the sunrise as making this Diwali especially memorable in many ways. From INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt Diwali greetings to all 140 crore citizens of the country.

Recalling the moment when INS Vikrant was handed over to the nation, Shri Modi stated that at the time, he had remarked—Vikrant is grand, immense, panoramic, unique and exceptional. “Vikrant is not merely a warship; it is a testament to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact, and commitment”, emphasised the Prime Minister. He reminded that on the very day the nation received the indigenously built INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy renounced a major symbol of colonial legacy. He highlighted that inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Navy adopted a new flag.

“INS Vikrant today stands as a powerful symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, emphasising that the indigenously built INS Vikrant, slicing through the ocean, reflects India’s military prowess. He recalled that just a few months ago, Vikrant’s very name had disrupted the sleep of Pakistan. The Prime Minister asserted that INS Vikrant is a warship whose name alone is enough to put an end to the enemy’s audacity.

Prime Minister expressed his special salute to the Indian Armed Forces on this occasion. He highlighted that the fear instilled by the Indian Navy, the extraordinary skill demonstrated by the Indian Air Force, and the bravery of the Indian Army, along with the exceptional coordination among all three services, compelled Pakistan to surrender swiftly during Operation Sindoor. He affirmed that all personnel involved are truly deserving of congratulations.

PM Modi stated that when the enemy is in front and war is imminent, the side that possesses the strength to fight independently always holds the advantage. He emphasized that for the armed forces to be strong, self-reliance is essential.

The Prime Minister expressed pride that over the past decade, India’s forces have steadily advanced towards self-reliance. He noted that the armed forces have identified thousands of items that will no longer be imported, resulting in most essential military equipment now being manufactured domestically.

He highlighted that in the last 11 years, India’s defence production has more than tripled, crossing ₹1.5 lakh crore last year. Citing another example, Shri Modi informed the nation that since 2014, Indian shipyards have delivered over 40 indigenous warships and submarines to the Navy. He added that currently, on average, a new indigenous warship or submarine is being inducted into the Navy every 40 days.

“Missiles like BrahMos and Akash have proven their capabilities during Operation Sindoor. Several countries around the world are now interested in purchasing these missiles”, said the Prime Minister, emphasising that India is building the capacity to export weapons and equipment for all three armed forces.

“India’s goal is to be counted among the world’s top defence exporters”, affirmed Shri Modi, stating that over the past decade, India’s defence exports have increased more than 30-fold. He credited this success significantly to the contributions of defence start-ups and indigenous defence units.

Prime Minister stated that India’s tradition regarding strength and capability has always been rooted in the principle—”Gyanaya Daanaya Cha Rakshanaya,” meaning our science, prosperity, and power are dedicated to the service and protection of humanity.

He emphasized that in today’s interconnected world, where nations’ economies and progress depend heavily on maritime routes, the Indian Navy plays a crucial role in ensuring global stability. Shri Modi highlighted that 66 percent of the world’s oil supply and 50 percent of container shipments pass through the Indian Ocean. He noted that the Indian Navy is deployed as the guardian of the Indian Ocean to secure these routes. Additionally, through mission-based deployments, anti-piracy patrols, and humanitarian operations, the Indian Navy serves as a global security partner across the region.

“Indian Navy plays a significant role in ensuring the security and integrity of India’s islands”, emphasised the Prime Minister. He recalled the decision taken some time ago to hoist the national flag on every island of the country on 26th January. Shri Modi affirmed that the Navy fulfilled this national resolve, and today, the tricolour is being proudly hoisted by the Navy on every Indian island.

Prime Minister stated that as India progresses rapidly, efforts are being made to ensure that all nations of the Global South advance alongside. He highlighted that India is working on the ‘Mahasagar Maritime Vision’ and is becoming a development partner for many countries.

The PM emphasized that whenever needed, India stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance anywhere in the world. From Africa to Southeast Asia, during times of disaster, the world views India as a global companion.

PM Modi recalled that in 2014, when neighbouring Maldives faced a water crisis, India launched ‘Operation Neer’, and the Navy delivered clean water to the country. In 2017, when Sri Lanka was struck by devastating floods, India was the first to extend a helping hand.

In 2018, following the tsunami disaster in Indonesia, India stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Indonesia in relief and rescue operations. Similarly, whether it was the destruction caused by an earthquake in Myanmar or the crises in Mozambique in 2019 and Madagascar in 2020, India reached out everywhere with a spirit of service.

Shri Modi stated that India’s armed forces have, from time to time, conducted operations to safely evacuate people stranded abroad. From Yemen to Sudan, whenever and wherever the need arose, their valour and courage have reinforced the trust of Indians living across the world. He emphasized that India has also saved the lives of thousands of foreign nationals through these missions.

“India’s armed forces have served the nation across all domains—land, sea, and air—and under every circumstance”, exclaimed Shri Modi highlighting that the Navy is deployed in the seas to safeguard India’s maritime boundaries and trade interests, while the Air Force remains committed to securing the skies. On land, from scorching deserts to icy glaciers, the Army, along with BSF and ITBP personnel, stand firm like a rock. He further acknowledged that across various fronts, personnel from SSB, Assam Rifles, CRPF, CISF, and intelligence agencies are steadfastly serving Mother India.

The Prime Minister also commended the Indian Coast Guard for their vital role in national defence, noting their continuous coordination with the Navy to secure India’s coastline day and night. He affirmed that their contribution to this grand mission of national security is immense.

Prime Minister Modi stated that due to the valour and courage of India’s security forces, the nation has achieved a major milestone—the eradication of Maoist terrorism. He highlighted that India is now on the verge of complete freedom from Naxal-Maoist extremism. Before 2014, around 125 districts were affected by Maoist violence; today, this number has reduced to just 11, with only 3 districts remaining significantly impacted.

PM Modi noted that over 100 districts have now fully emerged from the shadow of Maoist terror and are breathing freely for the first time and celebrating Diwali. He emphasized that millions of people, after generations of fear, are now joining the mainstream of development. In regions where Maoists once obstructed the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, and mobile towers, highways are now being built and new industries are emerging.

He affirmed that this success has been made possible by the dedication, sacrifice, and bravery of India’s security forces. The Prime Minister expressed joy that in many such districts, people are celebrating Diwali for the first time. He added that record sales and purchases are being witnessed in these areas during the GST Bachat Utsav. In districts where Maoist terror once suppressed even the mention of the Constitution, the mantra of Swadeshi now resonates.

“India is progressing rapidly and fulfilling the dreams of 140 crore citizens. From the ground to space, achievements once considered beyond imagination are now becoming reality”, emphasised the Prime Minister, highlighting the momentum, the progress, the transformation, and the growing development and confidence of the nation. He affirmed that the armed forces play a vital role in this grand task of nation-building.

The PM remarked that the forces are not mere followers of the current; they possess the ability to guide its direction, the courage to lead time, the valour to cross the infinite, and the spirit to overcome the insurmountable. He declared that the mountain peaks where our soldiers stand firm will remain as victory pillars of India, and the mighty waves of the ocean beneath them will echo India’s triumph. Amidst this roar, one unified voice will rise—’Bharat Mata Ki Jai!’ With this enthusiasm and conviction, the Prime Minister concluded by once again extending heartfelt Diwali greetings to all.