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Every year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates Diwali with Army personnel deployed in border areas. The year 2025 was special and different too. This Diwali was marked by his visit to the high seas to celebrate with the courageous naval personnel of the Indian Navy. On the eve of Diwali, PM Modi left for Goa in a discreet manner from Delhi. From Goa, he went to INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa. This entire journey and visit were carried out in a very discreet manner. PM Modi had a very extensive set of engagements on board INS Vikrant. He went to the flight deck, surrounded by the MiG-29K fighters. He witnessed the air power demonstration of the Navy, watching the take-off and landing of MiG-29 fighters on a short runway — both during the day and at night. He sat along with the naval staff and enjoyed a vibrant cultural programme. The officers and sailors of INS Vikrant sang various patriotic songs, including a special one written by naval personnel to commemorate the success of the Indian Armed Forces in Operation Sindoor. PM Modi was deeply moved by this experience and shared in his X post: “Will always cherish the cultural programme on board INS Vikrant last evening. The naval personnel are truly creative and versatile. They penned a song ‘Kasam Sindoor Ki’, which will remain etched in my memory.” Will always cherish the cultural programme on board INS Vikrant last evening. The naval personnel are truly creative and versatile. They penned a song ‘Kasam Sindoor Ki’ which will remain etched in my memory. pic.twitter.com/3S6bruQAkT — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2025 PM Modi had dinner with the extended family of naval personnel during the Bara Khana. And on Diwali morning, he joined a yoga session on the deck of INS Vikrant. He also witnessed a spectacular steam past and flypast. Bara Khana is an integral part of the armed forces traditions. At INS Vikrant last evening, took part in the Bara Khana with naval personnel. pic.twitter.com/y0MsHsuYvQ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2025 Later, PM Modi delivered an inspiring address to the Navy personnel on board INS Vikrant and gave them sweets. आप सभी की तरह मुझे भी अपने परिवारवालों के साथ दिवाली मनाना बहुत पसंद है। यही वजह है कि इस पावन अवसर पर मैं देश की रक्षा में जुटे अपने सैनिकों और सुरक्षा बलों के जवानों से हर साल मिलता हूं। इस बार यह सौभाग्य मुझे गोवा और कारवार के पास पश्चिमी समुद्री सीमा पर अपने फ्लैगशिप INS… pic.twitter.com/HEPZMSweDM — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2025 PM Modi and INS Vikrant – A Close Association PM Modi had the honour of commissioning INS Vikrant into the Indian Navy in September 2022. This is an indigenous aircraft carrier, the largest warship indigenously constructed in India. INS Vikrant is the principal combatant that carries the entire naval aviation capability of the Indian Navy, including the MiG-29 fighters. Naval Might of the Western Fleet on Full Display The warships that took part in the steam past included INS Vikrant, INS Vikramaditya, INS Surat, INS Mormugao, INS Chennai, INS Imphal, INS Kolkata, INS Tushil, INS Tabar, INS Teg, INS Betwa, INS Deepak, and INS Aditya. The flypast included Chetak (with flag and naval ensign), MH-60R, Sea King, Kamov 31, Dornier, P-8I, and MiG-29K aircraft. INS Vikrant is India’s pride! This is the largest warship constructed indigenously. I recall the programme in Kochi when it was commissioned. And now, today, I had the opportunity to be here to mark Diwali. pic.twitter.com/FRCh3K7hJ9 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2025 After his return to Delhi, PM Modi shared his memorable time spent on INS Vikrant in an X post: “INS Vikrant is a pride for India. Built with Swadeshi technology, this is India’s largest warship. I still remember the day when it was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Kochi. On Diwali, I feel proud to come here on the pious occasion of Diwali.”
