New Delhi, Oct 20 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali on board the INS Vikrant in Goa today and while referring to Operation Sindoor, said that a few months ago Vikrant’s very name had disrupted Pakistan’s sleep.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the fear instilled by the Indian Navy, the extraordinary skill demonstrated by the Indian Air Force, and the bravery of the Indian Army, along with the exceptional coordination among all three services, compelled Pakistan to surrender swiftly during Operation Sindoor.
He said INS Vikrant is a warship whose name alone is enough to put an end to the enemy’s audacity.
“Missiles like BrahMos and Akash have proven their capabilities during Operation Sindoor. Several countries around the world are now interested in purchasing these missiles”, said the Prime Minister, emphasising that India is building the capacity to export weapons and equipment for all three armed forces.
He said “India’s goal is to be counted among the world’s top defence exporters” and over the past decade, India’s defence exports have increased more than 30-fold. He credited this success significantly to the contributions of defence start-ups and indigenous defence units.
INS Vikrant is not just a warship, it is a testimony to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact and commitment, he said while addressing Navy and described INS Vikrant as a towering symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India. He lauded the extraordinary coordination among the three services which compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor.
He said that over the past decade, India’s Defence forces had steadily moved towards becoming self-reliant. ‘’Our goal is to make India one of the world’s top defence exporters,’’ the Prime Minister asserted.
Describing Indian Navy as the ‘’guardian of the Indian Ocean’’ the Prime Minister said the nation had achieved a significant milestone and Maoist terrorism is now being terminated.
‘’On one side lies the vast ocean and on the other, the immense strength of Mother India’s brave soldiers,’’ he said INS Vikrant is not merely a warship, it is a testament to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact, and commitment”,
He said India’s forces had steadily advanced towards self-reliance over the past decade. The armed forces have identified thousands of items that will no longer be imported, resulting in most essential military equipment now being manufactured domestically.
He highlighted that in the last 11 years, India’s defence production has more than tripled, crossing Rs 1.5 lakh crore last year.
Prime Minister Modi said 66 percent of the world’s oil supply and 50 percent of container shipments pass through the Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy is deployed as the guardian of the Indian Ocean to secure these routes. Additionally, through mission-based deployments, anti-piracy patrols, and humanitarian operations, the Indian Navy serves as a global security partner across the region.
“Indian Navy plays a significant role in ensuring the security and integrity of India’s islands”, he said and added that due to the valour and courage of India’s security forces, the nation has achieved a major milestone—eradication of Maoist terrorism.
He highlighted that India is now on the verge of complete freedom from Naxal-Maoist extremism.
