Goa, October 20, 2025 – In a significant and symbolic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2025 aboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, alongside Indian Navy personnel. The event marked a powerful tribute to India’s growing naval strength and its vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
This momentous occasion comes three years after PM Modi commissioned the INS Vikrant into the Indian Navy in September 2022. Speaking on board, the Prime Minister expressed immense pride in sharing the festival of lights with the country’s brave defenders at sea.
"It is a great honour to celebrate Diwali with our Navy personnel on INS Vikrant, a true symbol of India’s engineering and defence capability," PM Modi stated.
He highlighted the deep connection he shares with INS Vikrant, noting that the commissioning of the carrier was one of the most significant moments of his tenure. Referring to the vessel as a “floating fortress,” he emphasized how its very name instills fear in India’s adversaries.
The Prime Minister underscored INS Vikrant as a monumental achievement in India’s defence manufacturing. He praised it as a beacon of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which seeks to reduce reliance on foreign arms and promote indigenous defence production.
A New Naval Identity
PM Modi also recalled the day India commissioned INS Vikrant, mentioning how the Indian Navy simultaneously adopted a new ensign inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This move, he said, marked a decisive step in shedding colonial-era symbols and embracing a proud Indian identity.
Warships and Aircraft Showcase Naval Strength
During his visit, PM Modi witnessed a grand steam past and flypast by India’s western naval fleet. The maritime show included several major Indian warships:
Warships in the Steam Past:
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.
Aircraft in the Flypast:
Helicopters and aircraft such as Chetak, MH-60R, Sea King, Kamov 31, Dornier, P-8I, and MiG-29K, all carrying the Indian Navy ensign, were part of the air display.
PM Modi’s message on social media highlighted this spectacular display, where he reflected on his previous visit to INS Vikramaditya a decade ago, and praised the Navy’s evolution since.
INS Vikrant: A Symbol of National Pride
INS Vikrant, the largest warship ever built in India, plays a vital role in India's maritime operations. Capable of operating MiG-29K fighter jets, it significantly boosts the Indian Navy’s strategic reach and defence preparedness.
This Diwali celebration aboard INS Vikrant reinforced India’s commitment to building a modern, self-reliant military, while also honouring the dedication of its armed forces.
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