From The High Seas, PM Modi Weaves Defence, Heritage And Emotion Into A Diwali Message

Since taking office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it a tradition to celebrate Diwali with India’s defence personnel, often travelling to challenging frontiers such as Siachen or the nation’s maritime borders.

This year, aboard the indigenously built INS Vikrant, he reaffirmed his government’s commitment to defence self-reliance, infrastructure expansion, and a unified national identity.

Reiterating his call for citizens to be ‘vocal for local’ in pursuit of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), the Prime Minister said, “The day India received the Swadeshi INS Vikrant our Indian Navy discarded a major symbol of colonial subjugation. Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, our Navy adopted a new flag.”

Emphasising ‘country first’ as his guiding principle, PM Modi paid an emotional tribute to naval personnel while highlighting India’s strides in indigenous capability.

“When on way here, I wanted to live this moment, but could not; your toil, your selfless devotion, and dedication are at too great heights,” he stated.

His ability to merge policy vision with personal sentiment has become a defining feature of his leadership, where coherence and proactive communication remain central.

The address underlined performance and speed of implementation, hallmarks of results-oriented governance driven through coordinated national mechanisms.

Delivered amid strong maritime symbolism, the speech channelled patriotic energy into a broader narrative of political and developmental momentum.

“The deep night of the ocean, and the sunrise this morning made my Diwali special in many ways. From the decks of INS Vikrant, I send Diwali greetings to the people of the country. Most importantly, heartfelt Diwali wishes to your families as well,” PM Modi further asserted.

A Poetic Connection with Nature and the Sea

Moments of lyricism emerged as the Prime Minister connected with nature and the sea.

“Today, on one side I have infinite horizons, infinite sky, and on the other side I have 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,” the Prime Minister noted.

For PM Modi, the visit was not merely ceremonial, it was about learning from and sharing in the lives of those who safeguard the seas.

He spent the night on board, joining the sailors in an evening of song and celebration.

The occasion held deeper resonance: INS Vikrant once guarded India’s waters during Operation Sindoor, launched in response to Pakistan-sponsored violence in Pahalgam.

Praising the forces’ valour, he said, “The extraordinary coordination among the three services together compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor.”

The Prime Minister further added, “The night spent yesterday (Diwali eve) on INS Vikrant is hard to put into words. I saw the immense energy and enthusiasm that filled you all. 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.”

Even in times of peace, he noted, the Indian Navy remains a key pillar of national and global stability.

“Indian Navy is playing a crucial role in global stability. Fifty per cent of the world’s container ships go through the Indian Ocean. Our Navy is the guardian keeping this route safe,” PM Modi further emphasised.

By invoking history, heritage and cultural symbols, the Prime Minister connected past courage with present policy, closing his Diwali address with a message of pride, continuity, and confidence in India’s maritime strength.