Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2025 with Indian Navy personnel onboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which he described as a towering symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Modi arrived in Panaji (aka Panjim) on Sunday evening and boarded the home-built aircraft carrier off the coast of Goa. The entire journey was done in a discreet manner, sources said.
While onboard INS Vikrant, the prime minister went to the Flightdeck, surrounded by MiG 29K fighter aircraft. He witnessed the takeoff and landing of MiG 29 fighter jets on a short runway of the aircraft carrier, both during the day and in the dark night.
Modi also witnessed a vibrant cultural programme, where the officers and sailors of the Indian Navy sang various patriotic songs, including a song specially written by them to commemorate the success of Indian Armed Forces in Operation Sindoor.
The prime minister was deeply moved by this experience, sources said.
Modi had dinner with the extended family of naval personnel during the Bara Khana.
On Monday morning, Modi joined a yoga session on the deck of INS Vikrant and also witnessed a spectacular steampast of warships and flypast by aircraft.
He delivered an inspiring address to the Indian Navy personnel and also gave them sweets. “INS Vikrant is not just a warship. It is a testimony to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact and commitment,” he said.
PM Modi added that the name “BrahMos” strikes fear in some minds and now many countries are keen to buy these missiles.
“Last night spent onboard INS Vikrant is hard to put into words. I saw the immense energy and enthusiasm you all were filled with. When I saw you singing patriotic songs yesterday, and the way you described Operation Sindoor in your songs, no words can ever fully convey the experience that a jawan feels standing on a battlefield,” Modi said on Monday. “My Diwali has been special as it was spent amongst you,” he said.
INS Vikrant, India’s first home-built aircraft carrier, was commissioned in 2022 to strengthen the country’s naval presence.
Described as a city on the move, INS Vikrant is the largest warship to be built in India and also India’s second operational aircraft carrier after INS Vikramaditya, which was built on a Russian platform.
The prime minister has been celebrating Diwali with the armed forces since 2014.
PM Modi urges Indians to buy swadeshi products in festive season and share on social media
In keeping with the principles of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, where India becomes fully self-reliant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to ring in the festive season by buying swadeshi (India-made) products and celebrating the hard work of 140 crore (1.4 billion) Indians.
“Let’s mark this festive season by celebrating the hard work, creativity and innovation of 140 crore Indians,” said Modi in a post on X. “Let’s buy Indian products and say – Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai,” he said.
PM Modi also urged citizens to share what they have bought during the festive season on social media. “Do also share what you bought on social media. This way you will inspire others to also do the same,” the prime minister said.
