Goa/Karwar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday celebrated Diwali with naval personnel aboard India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, and lauded the extraordinary coordination among the three armed forces that compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor.

‘Coordination forced Pakistan’s surrender’

Addressing a gathering of soldiers, PM Modi said, “The fear created by the Indian Navy, the amazing skill displayed by the Indian Air Force, and the bravery of the Indian Army — the tremendous coordination of the three forces — forced Pakistan to surrender so quickly in Operation Sindoor.”

The Prime Minister hailed the synergy among the armed forces as a key factor in India’s military success and said the country’s defence preparedness today reflects a similar spirit of unity and strength.

INS Vikrant — symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Highlighting the significance of the indigenous aircraft carrier, PM Modi said, “INS Vikrant is a towering symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India. The indigenous (Swadeshi) Vikrant, tearing through the oceans, is a reflection of India’s military might.”

He described the warship as more than a military asset, calling it “a testimony to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact, and commitment.” Modi added, “Vikrant is huge, vast and panoramic. Vikrant is outstanding; Vikrant is also special.”

Celebrating Diwali with the Navy

Continuing his annual tradition of celebrating Diwali with the armed forces, PM Modi said, “Today is an amazing day. This scene is memorable. On one side, I have the ocean, and on the other, the strength of the brave soldiers of Mother India. I am fortunate to celebrate this holy festival of Diwali among you.”

Comparing the golden glow of the sun over the Arabian Sea to the festival of lights, he said, “The glow of the sun’s rays on the ocean’s waters is like the Diwali lamps lit by our brave soldiers.”

INS Vikrant: India’s naval pride

INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, is 262 metres long and has a full displacement of about 45,000 tonnes. The ship is powered by four gas turbines producing a total of 88 MW of power, enabling a top speed of 28 knots.

Built at a cost of approximately ₹20,000 crore, the vessel was developed in three contractual phases between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) — concluded in May 2007, December 2014, and October 2019. The ship’s keel was laid in February 2009 and launched in August 2013.

With 76 per cent indigenous content, the carrier represents a major step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

Advanced capabilities and fleet composition

INS Vikrant has been built with advanced automation for operations, navigation, and survivability. It is designed to carry around 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, and indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy variants.

With its commissioning, India joins an elite group of nations capable of indigenously designing and building aircraft carriers, marking a milestone in the country’s maritime defence capabilities.

PM’s message to the forces

Modi praised the Navy for safeguarding India’s maritime borders and said, “INS Vikrant will inspire generations of soldiers and engineers. It stands as a monument to Indian resolve and innovation.”

Last year, the Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with soldiers near the Indo-Pak border in Kutch, continuing his two-decade-long tradition of spending the festival with the armed forces.