NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked this year’s Diwali in the company of India’s naval personnel, celebrating the festival aboard INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa and Karwar. Continuing his tradition of spending Diwali with the armed forces, the Prime Minister called it a “special Diwali on the seas” as he interacted with officers and sailors of the Indian Navy. PM Modi’s visit, undertaken discreetly from Delhi to Goa, included an extensive set of engagements onboard the indigenously built aircraft carrier. He toured the flight deck, surrounded by MiG-29K fighters, and witnessed an air power demonstration showcasing the jets’ day and night operations.
Interaction with Navy personnel
As PM Modi boarded INS Vikrant. he could be seen interacting with a large crew, whom he called “family”. “People love celebrating Diwali with their families. And so do I, which is why every year I meet our army and security personnel who keep our nation safe. Happy to be among our brave naval personnel on the western seaboard off Goa and Karwar on Indian Naval Ships with INS Vikrant as the flagship,” he said. Commissioned in 2022, INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, designed with a high degree of automation and capable of operating up to 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 and MH-60R helicopters, and indigenously developed ALH and LCA (Navy). Built with over 76 per cent indigenous content, the 45,000-tonne carrier symbolises the country’s strides toward self-reliance under the “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat” initiative.
Cultural programme and dinner with navy and their families
The Prime Minister attended a vibrant cultural programme where naval personnel performed patriotic songs — including one specially composed to commemorate the success of Operation Sindoor called ‘Kasam Sindoor Ki’. “Will always cherish the cultural programme on board INS Vikrant last evening. The naval personnel are truly creative and versatile. They penned a song ‘Kasam Sindoor Ki’ which will remain etched in my memory,” said the PM. PM Modi later joined the crew and their extended families for a traditional Bara Khana dinner, participated in a morning yoga session on the ship’s deck, and viewed a spectacular steampast and flypast.
Air show with MiG-29s.
The Prime Minister watched an air power demonstration showcasing MiG-29 fighter jets taking off and landing on a short runway, both during the day and at night. Sharing a video of the display on X, he wrote, “Highlights from INS Vikrant, including the Air Power Demo, a vibrant cultural programme and more.” “Witnessed an awe-inspiring Air Power Demo on INS Vikrant, showcasing precision and prowess. The take-off and landing of MiG-29 fighters on a short runway, both in daylight and in the dark night, was a breathtaking display of skill, discipline and technological excellence,” also said PM Modi.
Addressing the armed forces
PM Modi said he was honoured to celebrate Diwali with them, lauding their service and dedication. “Today, on one side I have infinite horizons, infinite sky, and on the other side this giant INS Vikrant, embodying infinite powers. The glow of the sun’s rays on the ocean’s waters is like the Diwali lamps lit by brave soldiers,” he said. He also distributed sweets among the crew as part of the festivities.PM Modi called celebrating Diwali aboard INS Vikrant “a privilege” and lauded the courage of Navy personnel, hailing the carrier as a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also talked about how the fear generated by the Navy and the coordination of all three armed services “brought Pakistan to its knees” during Operation Sindoor, and extended heartfelt Diwali greetings to the forces and their families.Also read: PM Modi celebrates Diwali with Navy — Key takeaways from his speechThe visit was in-line with PM Modi’s tradition that he began in 2014. Over the years, he has celebrated the festival at the borders and in remote regions with soldiers from different wings of the defence forces. Last year he celebrated Diwali with armed forces near the Indo-Pak border in Kutch. Go to Source