Mon Oct 20 10:37:34 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali aboard the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier. This marks a change from his previous Diwali celebrations, which typically involved spending time with soldiers stationed in remote and challenging areas. He had a full schedule of activities planned on the warship.

News Article:

PM Modi Celebrates Diwali Aboard INS Vikrant, Marking a Shift from Border Tradition

KOCHI, INDIA – Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali this year aboard the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, marking a departure from his previous tradition of spending the festival with troops stationed in remote border regions.

The Prime Minister spent the night on the warship, engaging in a series of pre-planned activities. While details of the engagements are yet to be fully released, the move signifies a focus on India’s naval capabilities and the growing importance of maritime security in the region.

“This Diwali celebration is a shift from PM Modi’s usual practice,” a government spokesperson stated. “In previous years, he has consistently chosen to spend the festival with soldiers on the frontlines, highlighting their dedication and sacrifice. This year’s choice to celebrate on the INS Vikrant underscores the crucial role of the Indian Navy in safeguarding our national interests and projecting our power in the Indian Ocean.”

The decision to celebrate Diwali on the INS Vikrant is being viewed as a significant symbol of India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing and the nation’s commitment to strengthening its naval presence. The INS Vikrant, commissioned in 2022, is a powerful symbol of India’s ambition to be a leading maritime power. The Prime Minister’s presence on the warship during Diwali further reinforces this message.

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