Underlining India’s military might, need for self-reliance: Takeaways from PM’s Diwali speech on board INS Vikrant

Key takeaways from his speech:

On Operation Sindoor

From INS Vikrant to BrahMos, the PM emphasised how India’s military might had struck fear in all of Pakistan. “Just a few months ago, we saw that INS Vikrant, with its name alone, had given sleepless nights to the entire Pakistan. The fear instilled by the Indian Navy, the incredible skill demonstrated by the Indian Air Force, the bravery of the Indian Army…the exceptional coordination of the three services brought Pakistan to its knees swiftly [jaldi ghutne tekne par majboor kar diya tha] during Operation Sindoor,” Modi said.

“When I saw you sing songs yesterday and the way you described Operation Sindoor… perhaps no poet can express the feeling that a soldier standing in the battlefield experiences,” he told Navy personnel.

On atmanirbharta

Stressing that self-reliance is essential for the armed forces to be strong, the Prime Minister said, “When the enemy is in front and war is imminent, the side that possesses the strength to fight independently always holds the advantage. We are proud that over the past decade, our armed forces have made fast strides toward self-reliance. Our forces made a list of thousand items and decided that these items would no longer be imported from abroad. The result was that… most of the essential military equipment is now being manufactured in the country itself.”

“In the last 11 years, India’s defence production has more than tripled, crossing Rs 1.5 lakh crore last year. Since 2014, Indian shipyards have delivered more than 40 indigenously-built warships and submarines to the Navy,” he said.

Saying that the BrahMos and Akash missiles proven their capabilities during Operation Sindoor, he said, “The BrahMos name is such that some people get worried on hearing whether it is coming. Many countries around the world now want to purchase these missiles. Bharat is building the capability to export weapons and equipment for the armed forces. Our goal is to make India one of the world’s top defence exporters. In the last decade, India’s defence exports have increased by more than 30 times.”

On Naxalism

With months to go for the March 2026 deadline set by Home Minister Amit Shah to eradicate Naxalism from the country, Modi said that due to the valour and courage of India’s security forces, “the country is now on the verge of complete freedom from Naxal-Maoist extremism”.

“Before 2014, around 125 districts were in the grip of Maoist violence. This number has now reduced to just 11, and in those 11 districts too, there are only three districts where their influence is visible,” he said.

Modi said that over 100 districts have now fully emerged from the shadow of Maoist violence. “In regions, where Maoists once obstructed the construction of roads, schools, hospitals and mobile towers… highways are now being built and new industries are being set up in those areas,” he said, adding this success has been made possible by the dedication, sacrifice and bravery of India’s security forces. “In districts where Maoists suppressed even the mention of the Constitution, in those districts the mantra of swadeshi now resonates and misguided youth are quitting .303 (gun) and embracing the Constitution,” he said.

On India’s place in the world

The Prime Minister said the Indian Navy stands as the guardian of the Indian Ocean to secure maritime routes in the region. “In today’s interconnected world, where economies and progress of nations is heavily dependent on maritime routes, the Indian Navy plays a crucial role in ensuring global stability. Today, 66 percent of the world’s oil supply and 50 percent of the world’s container shipments pass through the Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy stands as the guardian of the Indian Ocean to secure these routes. Through mission-based deployments, anti-piracy patrols, and humanitarian operations, the Indian Navy serves as a global security partner across the region,” he said.

Modi said India stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance anywhere in the world, whenever the need arises.

“From Africa to Southeast Asia, during times of disaster, the world views India as a global companion. In 2014, when neighbouring Maldives faced a water crisis, India launched Operation Neer and the Navy delivered clean water to the country. In 2017, when Sri Lanka was struck by devastating floods, India was the first to extend a helping hand. In 2018, following the tsunami disaster in Indonesia, India stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Indonesia in relief and rescue operations. Similarly, whether it was the destruction caused by an earthquake in Myanmar or the crises in Mozambique in 2019 and Madagascar in 2020, India reached out everywhere with a spirit of service,” he said.

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