From Siachen To Bastar: PM Modi Carries Forward Diwali Tradition With Security Forces

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that he would spend Diwali with security personnel stationed in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar, highlighting the region’s progress from years of Maoist influence towards development.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he was travelling to the region to celebrate the festival with security forces and acknowledge their contribution to the country.

“Heading to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces. This is an area where Naxalism once held sway and now, development is flourishing,” PM Modi wrote.

The Prime Minister added that the visit would be an opportunity to honour the personnel for their courage, sacrifices and dedicated service to the nation.

“I am going to salute our brave security personnel for their sacrifices, selfless service and unwavering devotion to the nation,” the post further read.

Heading to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces.

This is an area where Naxalism once held sway and now, development is flourishing.

I am going to salute our brave security personnel for their sacrifices, selfless service and unwavering devotion to the nation.

दीपावली के पावन अवसर पर बस्तर जा रहा हूं।

कल तक जहां नक्सलियों का कहर था वहां आज विकास की बहार है।

वीर जवानों, उनके बलिदान, त्याग और तपस्या को नमन करने जा रहा हूं।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2026

The Prime Minister has maintained a tradition of celebrating Diwali with members of the armed forces and security personnel at different locations across the country since taking office in 2014.

PM Modi’s previous visits have included Siachen in 2014, the Punjab border in 2015, Sumdoh in Himachal Pradesh in 2016 and Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir in 2017. He subsequently celebrated with troops in Harsil (2018), Rajouri (2019), Longewala (2020), Nowshera (2021), Kargil (2022), Lepcha (2023) and Sir Creek (2024).

In 2025, PM Modi marked Diwali aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off the Goa-Karwar coast, celebrating the festival with the Indian Navy for the first time.

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