PM Modi Celebrates Diwali Aboard INS Vikrant, Credits Armed Forces for ‘Operation Sindoor’ Success and Near End of Maoist Terror

A Diwali with the Guardians of the Sea

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday celebrated Diwali aboard India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, using the occasion to laud the nation’s armed forces and their pivotal role in recent defence achievements.

Addressing Navy personnel on the flight deck of Vikrant, Mr. Modi called the warship “a living symbol of India’s self-reliance, hard work, and global impact.” He said, “INS Vikrant reflects the capability of 21st-century India and stands as a towering emblem of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

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‘Operation Sindoor’: A Triumph of Coordination

In a powerful tribute to inter-service unity, the Prime Minister said it was the “extraordinary coordination” among the Army, Navy, and Air Force that compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor. While official details of the operation remain classified, sources describe it as a recent joint military campaign that underscored India’s strategic and operational superiority.

“The unity of our three forces has always been India’s greatest strength,” Mr. Modi said. “That synergy is what led to decisive victories and ensured our national security.”

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India Nearing Freedom from Maoist Violence

Mr. Modi also announced that India has achieved “90% success” in neutralizing Maoist extremism — a decades-long internal security challenge.

“Earlier, 125 districts were in the grip of Maoist terror. Today, that number has dropped to just 11,” he said. “This freedom from Maoist violence is knocking on our doors. I’m confident our police and paramilitary forces will achieve complete victory soon.”

The statement marks one of the strongest official indications yet that the government believes the long battle against Left-Wing Extremism is in its final phase.

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Strengthening India’s Defence Footprint

Reaffirming his government’s goal to make India a global leader in defence manufacturing, the Prime Minister highlighted that more than 40 warships and submarines have been constructed domestically since 2014.

“The name ‘BrahMos’ now inspires confidence in India and fear in our adversaries,” he said, adding that several nations are seeking to procure India’s indigenously developed supersonic missiles.

Mr. Modi’s remarks reflect India’s growing emphasis on defence exports — a key part of its Aatmanirbhar Bharat strategy — which has seen India’s defence exports rise over tenfold in the past decade.

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‘My Diwali Was Special Among You’

In an emotional moment, the Prime Minister spoke about spending the night aboard the carrier, sharing songs, stories, and reflections with the sailors.

“The night I spent yesterday on INS Vikrant is hard to describe. I witnessed the energy, the patriotism, and the pride in each one of you,” he said. “My Diwali has been special because it was spent among those who protect the nation.”

He added that the courage and camaraderie of India’s soldiers — whether on land, sea, or air — continue to illuminate the spirit of the nation.

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A Message of Pride and Resilience

Mr. Modi’s Diwali celebration aboard Vikrant symbolizes a broader message of unity and self-reliance — themes that have consistently defined his outreach to the armed forces. As India positions itself as a major defence exporter and an emerging global power, the Prime Minister’s remarks underline both gratitude and ambition: pride in the past, and confidence in what lies ahead.