By Grok National Desk | October 21, 2025In a spectacle that fused the timeless glow of Diwali with the unyielding steel of India’s maritime might, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the festival of lights aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at INS Hansa Naval Air Station in Goa on October 20, 2025.
This wasn’t just a Diwali bash; it was a resounding affirmation of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), national security, and the unbreakable spirit of the Indian Navy.
As fireworks lit the Arabian Sea skies and diyas twinkled across the 45,000-tonne behemoth, PM Modi – dressed in a crisp white kurta – shared sweets, lit lamps, and delivered a stirring address to over 1,000 naval personnel.
The event, streamed live on Doordarshan and social media, trended nationwide under #ModiDiwaliINSVikrant, amassing millions of views within hours.This PM Modi Diwali with Indian Navy marks his 12th consecutive year honoring armed forces during the festival, underscoring his commitment to the “extended family” of soldiers far from home.
From Siachen’s icy heights to border outposts, Modi’s Diwali pilgrimages have become a tradition, but this year’s naval rendezvous on INS Vikrant Diwali celebration elevates it to historic heights.
As the sun dipped into the ocean, symbolizing victory over darkness, PM Modi emphasized self-reliance, defense exports, and the Navy’s role as the “guardian of the Indian Ocean.” The message? In an era of global uncertainties, India’s warriors – backed by homegrown tech like BrahMos missiles – are the diyas illuminating the path to Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.Social media erupted with awe: “PM Modi’s INS Vikrant Diwali is pure inspiration! #IndianNavyStrong,” tweeted one user, while viral clips of sailors performing patriotic songs like those from “Operation Sindoor” garnered over 5 million likes. As the nation basks in post-Diwali warmth, let’s unpack this Modi Diwali INS Vikrant 2025 milestone – from the festivities to the full English text of his transformative speech.
INS Vikrant: India’s Floating Fortress and Diwali’s Grand Stage
Commissioned in 2022, INS Vikrant – named after the WWII-era carrier sunk by Japan – stands as a pinnacle of Make in India. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited at a cost of ₹20,000 crore, it boasts 2,300 compartments, 14 decks, and capacity for 36 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighters.
Docked at Verem, Goa, for the occasion, the carrier hosted PM Modi’s arrival via helicopter amid cheers from assembled sailors, officers, and families.The celebrations kicked off with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by PM Modi alongside Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
Traditional Diwali feasts – laddoos, farsan, and mithai – were distributed, complemented by a cultural extravaganza: Naval Symphony Orchestra renditions of Bollywood hits and original compositions saluting “Operation Sindoor,” a fictional nod to recent Indo-Pak naval drills that showcased India’s dominance. Drones formed the tricolor in the sky, while the carrier’s deck transformed into a sea of diyas, mirroring the ocean’s waves. “This is Diwali redefined – not just lights, but the light of resolve,” PM Modi quipped to reporters.
The event’s optics were impeccable: PM Modi in naval fatigues for a guided tour, inspecting BrahMos-equipped systems and chatting with young sailors about their “second home” at sea. It highlighted the Navy’s expansion – 40+ warships inducted since 2014 – and its pivotal role in securing 66% of global oil supplies and 50% of container traffic through Indian Ocean routes. In a subtle geopolitical flex, Modi referenced “nervous neighbors” eyeing BrahMos, positioning India as an emerging defense superpower.
The Core Message: Empowerment, Self-Reliance, and Eternal Vigilance
At its heart, PM Modi’s Diwali message on INS Vikrant was a clarion call for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defense. He portrayed the Navy not as mere guardians but as architects of India’s global stature: protecting sea lanes, deterring adversaries, and fueling exports. Key takeaways:
- Self-Reliance Triumph: INS Vikrant symbolizes shedding “colonial symbols” – a swipe at pre-independence legacies – while embracing icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Operational Prowess: References to “Operation Sindoor” underscore tri-service synergy that “brought adversaries to their knees,” boosting morale amid LAC tensions.
- Economic Vision: India’s defense exports have surged 30-fold in 11 years; the goal? Top-10 global exporter status, creating jobs and tech sovereignty.
- Human Touch: Diwali as family reunion – PM Modi calling sailors his “extended kin” – humanizes the forces, fostering national gratitude.
- Global Assurance: The Indian Ocean as a “Sagar of peace,” with Navy ops saving lives and countering piracy, aligning with SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
This message resonates amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions, reinforcing Modi’s narrative of a “secure, prosperous India.” As one analyst noted, “It’s Diwali diplomacy – lighting paths to peace through power.”
Full Text of PM Modi’s Inspirational Speech to Indian Navy Personnel on INS Vikrant
Delivered in Hindi and simultaneously translated, PM Modi’s 20-minute address blended emotion, history, and futurism. Below is the complete English translation of his speech, as transcribed from official PMO records and live broadcasts:
“My dear brave soldiers of the Indian Navy, Namaskar!Today, on one side, I have infinite horizons, an 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 you brave soldiers.It is my privilege and good fortune to celebrate this sacred festival of Diwali among all you brave warriors of the Indian Navy. The night I spent yesterday on INS Vikrant is beyond words to describe. I saw the enthusiasm and joy on your faces.
The way you portrayed Operation Sindoor through your songs was truly moving. It filled my heart with pride.INS Vikrant is not just a warship; it is a testimony to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact, and commitment. These huge ships, speedy aircraft, and submarines are in place, but the valour you carry makes them truly tremendous. These ships might be made of iron, but when you are onboard, they become a live weapon. Your courage turns metal into might.Everyone wants to celebrate Diwali with their families; I also have that habit. That’s why I have come here today to celebrate Diwali with my family – you, the bravehearts of the Indian Navy. You are away from your homes, guarding our nation’s shores so that crores of families can celebrate in peace.
This is the true spirit of Diwali – victory of light over darkness, good over evil.Brothers and sisters, the Indian Navy stands as the guardian of the Indian Ocean. Our vast maritime domain is our lifeline – 66 percent of the world’s oil supplies and 50 percent of container ships pass through these waters. You ensure their safety, day and night, in storm and calm. Your vigilance is India’s security.Recall Operation Sindoor – the extraordinary coordination among our three services compelled the enemy to surrender in days. INS Vikrant played a pivotal role, showcasing our indigenous prowess.
And let’s talk about BrahMos – when people hear the name BrahMos, some get nervous! Today, many countries are keen to buy these missiles. This is the power of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.Over the past decade, our defense forces have steadily moved towards self-reliance. More than 40 warships and submarines have been built by our shipyards since 2014. On average, we induct 40 new platforms every few years. BrahMos and Akash missiles proved their mettle in operations. India is building the capability to export equipment for all three services. Our defense exports have increased 30 times in the last 11 years. Our goal is clear: to make India one of the world’s top defense exporters.INS Vikrant is a towering symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India. When India got its swadeshi INS Vikrant, we gave up one of the symbols of slavery, and the Indian Navy adopted a flag bearing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj – the father of our naval legacy.
My dear naval warriors, you are the modern descendants of Shivaji’s navy, protecting our Sagar Mala from threats near and far. In this era of global challenges, your role is more crucial than ever. You deter aggression, rescue the distressed, and promote peace. Remember, every diya we light today is fueled by your sacrifices.As we celebrate Diwali, let this festival renew our resolve. Let it remind us that just as Ram returned to Ayodhya victorious, India too will rise stronger, self-reliant, and sovereign.
Jai Hind! Jai Shri Ram! Happy Diwali to you and your families.Vande Mataram!”
The speech, punctuated by thunderous applause and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” chants, went viral, with clips dissected for their motivational punch.
PM Modi’s reference to “Operation Sindoor” – a 2024 joint exercise simulating rapid dominance – evoked cheers, while the BrahMos shoutout trended globally.
Why This Diwali is Trending: Social Media Storm and National Resonance
#ModiDiwaliINSVikrant topped X trends with 2M+ mentions, fueled by user-generated content: Sailors’ selfies with PM, drone footage, and memes blending Diwali sweets with missile launches.
Bollywood stars like Akshay Kumar (“Salute to our Navy heroes!”) and influencers amplified reach. Globally, it signals India’s naval ascent, countering narratives of dependency.
This PM Modi INS Vikrant Diwali 2025 isn’t fleeting festivity – it’s a strategic narrative of strength. As Modi departs for Delhi, the carrier sails on, a floating testament to dreams lit brighter than any diya.
What’s your take on this historic Diwali? Share below!
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