Karwar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Navy personnel on board India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, off the coast of Karwar and Goa, on Monday.
After spending the night on board the warship, Modi addressed hundreds of naval personnel that he was “fortunate” to celebrate the holy festival with them.
“Today is an amazing day. This scene is memorable. Today, on one side, I have the ocean, and on the other, I have the strength of the brave soldiers of Mother India,” the Prime Minister said.
“Today, on one side I have infinite horizons and 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,” Modi added.
INS Vikrant reflects the capability of India’s armed forces and helped bring Pakistan to its knees within a few days during Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister said.
The aircraft carrier, along with 7-8 other warships, had practically blocked Karachi harbour during the four-day military operation. The carrier group could have caused severe devastation to Pakistan Navy assets and ports had the conflict not ended on May 10.
India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 that caused the deaths of 26 people.
Modi highlighted the “extraordinary coordination” between the three services that compelled Pakistan to surrender.
After India carried out missile strikes on Pakistan Air Force bases and air defence systems early on May 10, Pakistani DGMO called up his Indian counterpart, seeking a ceasefire that came into effect from that evening on India’s terms.
INS Vikrant is not just a warship but is also a “testimony to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact, and commitment”, PM Modi said.
“The night spent yesterday on INS Vikrant is hard to put into words. I saw the immense energy and enthusiasm you all were filled with. 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,” he said.
“My Diwali has been special, as it was spent amongst you,” the Prime Minister added.
