Modi Lauds Armed Forces’ Synergy During Operation Sindoor, Calls INS Vikrant a Symbol of Self-Reliant India
Panaji: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the exceptional coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force — combining the Navy’s fearsome presence, the Air Force’s precision, and the Army’s courage — forced Pakistan to its knees “in no time” during Operation Sindoor.
Addressing naval personnel aboard INS Vikrant off the Goa coast, Modi described the indigenously built aircraft carrier as a “powerful symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, marking India’s renunciation of a major colonial legacy.
“A few months ago, INS Vikrant gave Pakistan sleepless nights. The name itself strikes fear in the enemy,” he said.
Spending the night onboard the carrier, Modi witnessed naval air operations, including MiG-29K takeoffs and landings on the high seas.
Highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in defence, he said:
“The Indian Navy’s might, the Air Force’s skill, and the Army’s bravery — along with seamless coordination — swiftly brought Pakistan to its knees during Operation Sindoor. Our armed forces deserve a special salute.”
Modi said self-reliance is the foundation of a strong military, noting that India’s defence production has more than tripled in the past 11 years, surpassing ₹1.5 lakh crore last year.
He cited the success of BrahMos and Akash missiles, which performed effectively during the operation and are now sought after globally. Thousands of defence items, he said, have been identified for domestic production, eliminating dependence on imports.
Since 2014, over 40 indigenously built warships and submarines have been delivered to the Navy, with a new vessel joining the fleet roughly every 40 days. India, he added, is now capable of exporting weapons for all three services, aiming to be among the world’s top defence exporters.
The Prime Minister praised defence start-ups and indigenous manufacturers for contributing to this progress and lauded the Indian Coast Guard for its crucial role in securing the nation’s vast coastline in close coordination with the Navy.
Recalling the commissioning of INS Vikrant in 2022, Modi said the warship represents “21st-century India’s hard work, talent, and commitment.” He noted that on the same day, the Indian Navy adopted a new flag inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolizing a decisive break from colonial traditions.
INS Vikrant — the largest warship ever built in India — is a “city at sea” and the country’s second operational aircraft carrier after INS Vikramaditya.
During his stay onboard, Modi attended a patriotic cultural programme by naval personnel celebrating Operation Sindoor and shared a Bara Khana dinner with them. On Monday morning, he joined a yoga session on deck and watched a steampast and flypast featuring warships such as INS Vikrant, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal, along with MiG-29K fighters, P8I aircraft, and Seaking helicopters.
“Spending Diwali among you has made my festival truly special,” Modi said, adding that since 2014, he has celebrated the festival of lights with the armed forces every year.
