Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the exceptional coordination among India’s armed forces compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor.
“The fear created by the Indian Navy, the remarkable skill of the Indian Air Force, and the bravery of the Indian Army – the combined strength and coordination of all three forces forced Pakistan to surrender swiftly in Operation Sindoor,” PM Modi said while addressing soldiers onboard INS Vikrant.
He described INS Vikrant as a towering symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). “INS Vikrant represents the spirit of Made in India. This indigenous warship, sailing across oceans, reflects India’s military strength,” he added.
PM Modi emphasized that INS Vikrant is more than a warship; it is a testimony to India’s 21st-century hard work, talent, and commitment. “Vikrant is vast, impressive, and truly special,” he said.
Celebrating Diwali with soldiers off the coast of Goa and Karwar, the Prime Minister said, “Today is a memorable day. On one side, I see the endless ocean, and on the other, I see the strength of India’s brave soldiers. I am fortunate to celebrate this festival of lights among the Navy personnel.”
He added, “On one side, infinite horizons and sky, and on the other, the giant INS Vikrant, symbolizing immense power. The sun’s rays reflecting on the ocean are like Diwali lamps lit by our courageous soldiers.”
The 262-metre-long INS Vikrant has a full displacement of nearly 45,000 tonnes, making it larger and more advanced than its predecessor. Powered by four gas turbines generating 88 MW of power, it can reach a maximum speed of 28 knots. Built at a cost of nearly Rs. 20,000 crore, the ship was constructed in three phases between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Limited (2007, 2014, 2019).
The keel was laid in February 2009, followed by the launch in August 2013. With 76% indigenous content, INS Vikrant is a flagship example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Its delivery places India among the few nations capable of designing and building an aircraft carrier indigenously.
Vikrant features a high degree of automation for machinery operation, navigation, and survivability, and can operate a mix of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. It can accommodate an air wing of 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 and MH-60R helicopters, as well as indigenously produced Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy).
Last year, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with armed forces near the Indo-Pak border in Kutch. (Agencies)
