Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called the Indian Armed Forces his “family” as he celebrated Diwali with Navy personnel aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, stationed off the coast of Goa and Karwar in the Arabian Sea. Keeping up his 11-year-old tradition of celebrating Diwali with the armed forces, the Prime Minister said he feels “fortunate” to share the festival with the country’s soldiers.

Speaking to the sailors and officers, PM Modi said, “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.” The Prime Minister described the occasion as a moment of pride, symbolising India’s strength and self-reliance.

“INS Vikrant embodies India’s infinite power,” says PM Modi

Addressing the Navy personnel, the Prime Minister said the view from the ship was both symbolic and inspiring. “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,” he said. Describing the surrounding scene, Modi added, “The glow of the sun’s rays on the ocean’s waters is like the Diwali lamps lit by brave soldiers. I am fortunate to celebrate this holy festival among you all.”

PM Modi also shared his experience of spending the previous night on INS Vikrant, calling it “hard to put into words.” He praised the soldiers’ enthusiasm and patriotism, recalling how they sang songs describing Operation Sindoor, an Indian Navy exercise. “No words can ever fully convey the experience that a jawan feels standing on a battlefield,” he remarked.

A symbol of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and Indian pride

During his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of INS Vikrant as a representation of India’s indigenous strength. “You all must remember the day our nation received its very own indigenous INS Vikrant. On that very day, the Indian Navy bid farewell to one of the greatest symbols of colonial legacy,” he said.

Modi noted that the Navy, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had adopted a new ensign that reflects India’s true identity and pride. “Today, INS Vikrant stands as a powerful symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the spirit of Made in India,” he said, adding that the warship’s name alone once gave sleepless nights to Pakistan. “Swadeshi INS Vikrant is a symbol of India’s strength. I want to salute our forces,” he added.

PM’s Diwali tradition with soldiers continues

Since taking office in 2014, Prime Minister Modi has made it a point to celebrate Diwali with soldiers in different parts of the country. His first Diwali as Prime Minister was spent with troops in Siachen. In 2015, he visited the Dograi War Memorial in Amritsar to mark 50 years of the 1965 war.

The following year, he travelled to Sumdoh near the China border in Himachal Pradesh, where he also made an unplanned stop at Chango village. In 2017, he celebrated the festival with soldiers in the Gurez sector of North Kashmir, and in 2018, he visited Harsil in Uttarakhand before offering prayers at Kedarnath.

In 2019, the Prime Minister marked Diwali with troops in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. During the pandemic year 2020, he was in Longewala, Rajasthan. In 2021, he celebrated with soldiers in Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir, followed by Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh in 2023, and Sir Creek, Gujarat in 2024. Last year, he was near the Indo-Pak border in Kutch.

Diwali: A festival of light and tradition

Diwali, one of India’s most celebrated festivals, spans five days beginning with Dhanteras, when people buy jewellery or utensils and worship the Gods. The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi, is known as Chhoti Diwali. The third day marks the main celebration, when families light lamps and worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.

The fourth day is dedicated to Govardhan Puja, while the fifth and final day is Bhai Dooj, when sisters pray for the long and happy lives of their brothers and perform the Tika ceremony. Brothers in turn give gifts to their sisters, marking the end of the festive period.

By spending yet another Diwali with the armed forces, PM Modi reinforced his long-standing message that the country’s soldiers are his true family. His celebration aboard INS Vikrant not only continued his personal tradition but also stood as a tribute to India’s naval strength and growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

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