On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar, continuing his annual tradition of spending the festival with the country’s defence and security forces for the 13th consecutive year.
This year’s visit carried particular significance as it marked the first Diwali following the reported elimination of Naxalism from the region.
PM Modi reached the CoBRA Operations Base at Karanpur, a key facility used to train personnel and coordinate anti-Naxal operations in Bastar and Abujhmad, areas once regarded as major centres of Maoist activity.
Addressing the personnel, the Prime Minister said he had travelled to the region on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians to recognise their dedication and sacrifices. He described security personnel protecting the country’s borders and maintaining internal security as members of his extended family.
Calling Diwali 2026 a historic occasion, PM Modi said every district in the country was now free from Naxalism, marking a major breakthrough in the prolonged fight against Maoist violence. He credited security forces with helping people overcome years of fear and bringing fresh development opportunities to Bastar through their determination and service.
The Prime Minister stressed that safeguarding internal security was essential to protecting the country against external threats. He said the contribution of personnel operating within the country was equally important as that of soldiers guarding its borders.
PM Modi extended Diwali greetings to security personnel stationed across India and acknowledged the sacrifices they make to protect the nation’s unity and integrity.
In 2025, the Prime Minister celebrated the festival aboard INS Vikrant with naval personnel in Goa. Between 2014 and 2024, he visited several military locations, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Also Read: ‘Security Personnel Are My Family’: PM Modi Celebrates Diwali With CoBRA Forces In Bastar
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