Key Highlights from the PM:
INS Vikrant is more than just a warship; it’s a testament to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact, and commitment.
It is a towering symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Made in India.
The extraordinary coordination among the three services compelled Pakistan to surrender quickly during Operation Sindoor.
Over the past decade, our defense forces have steadily moved towards becoming self-reliant.
Our goal is to make India one of the world’s top defense exporters.
The Indian Navy stands as the guardian of the Indian Ocean.
Thanks to the bravery of our security forces, the nation has achieved a major milestone: we are eliminating Maoist terrorism.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed armed forces personnel today during his Diwali celebration on board the INS Vikrant. Describing the day as a remarkable moment and sight, Shri Modi noted the contrast between the vast ocean on one side and the immense strength of Mother India’s brave soldiers on the other. He said the colossal might of the INS Vikrant, which embodies infinite power, is facing the infinite horizon and boundless sky. He felt privileged to celebrate Diwali among the brave personnel of the Indian Navy.
Recalling his night spent aboard the warship, the Prime Minister called the experience “difficult to put into words,” noting the deep night at sea and the sunrise made this Diwali especially memorable. From the INS Vikrant, he extended heartfelt Diwali greetings to all 140 crore citizens of the country.
Shri Modi recalled the day INS Vikrant was handed over to the nation, reiterating his earlier statement: “Vikrant is not merely a warship; it is a testament to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact, and commitment.” He reminded everyone that on the same day the nation received the indigenously built Vikrant, the Indian Navy discarded a major symbol of colonial legacy and adopted a new flag inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
“INS Vikrant today stands as a powerful symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India,” the Prime Minister stated, emphasizing that the ship reflects India’s military prowess. He recalled that just months ago, the very name Vikrant had “disrupted the sleep of Pakistan” and asserted that it is a warship whose name alone can “put an end to the enemy’s audacity.”
The Prime Minister paid a special salute to the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting the fear instilled by the Navy, the extraordinary skill of the Air Force, the bravery of the Army, and the exceptional coordination among the three services that forced Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor.
Shri Modi stressed that for the armed forces to be strong, self-reliance is essential. He expressed pride that India’s forces have steadily moved toward self-reliance over the past decade. He noted that the forces have stopped importing thousands of items, and essential military equipment is now mostly made domestically. India’s defense production has more than tripled over the last 11 years, crossing ₹1.5 lakh crore last year. Since 2014, Indian shipyards have delivered over 40 indigenous warships and submarines to the Navy, with a new indigenous vessel being inducted about every 40 days.
Citing missiles like BrahMos and Akash, which proved their capabilities, the PM noted that many countries now want to buy them. He affirmed that India is building the capacity to export weapons for all three armed forces. “India’s goal is to be counted among the world’s top defence exporters,” he affirmed, noting that defense exports have increased more than 30-fold over the past decade, a success he credited largely to defense start-ups and indigenous units.
The Prime Minister stated that the Indian Navy plays a crucial role as the guardian of the Indian Ocean, ensuring global stability since 66% of the world’s oil and 50% of container shipments pass through it. The Navy serves as a global security partner through anti-piracy patrols and humanitarian operations. He also emphasized the Navy’s role in securing the integrity of India’s islands, noting that it successfully fulfilled the national resolve to hoist the tricolor on every island on Republic Day.
Shri Modi highlighted India’s role as a global companion, working on the ‘Mahasagar Maritime Vision’ and becoming a development partner for many Global South nations. He recalled numerous instances, from ‘Operation Neer’ for the Maldives water crisis in 2014 to relief efforts after the Sri Lankan floods in 2017 and the Indonesian tsunami in 2018, where India provided immediate humanitarian assistance. He also mentioned successful evacuation operations, reinforcing the trust of Indians living abroad.
Finally, the Prime Minister announced that the nation has achieved a significant milestone thanks to the valor of the security forces: the elimination of Maoist terrorism. He stated that India is close to complete freedom from Naxal-Maoist extremism. The number of Maoist-affected districts has dropped from around 125 before 2014 to just 11 today. He shared his joy that over 100 districts are now celebrating Diwali freely for the first time after generations of fear, a success made possible by the dedication and sacrifice of the security forces.
Shri Modi concluded by stating that as India progresses rapidly, its armed forces are vital to nation-building, possessing the ability to guide the nation’s direction. He declared that the mountain peaks where soldiers stand firm will remain victory pillars, and the waves beneath them will echo India’s triumph, with one unified voice: ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai!’
With input from PIB
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
