On Monday, October 20, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the exceptional unity and coordinated efforts of India’s three armed services were instrumental in compelling Pakistan’s surrender during the historic ‘Operation Sindoor’.
The Prime Minister also extended high praise to the unwavering courage and resolve of India’s security forces, crediting them with achieving a monumental milestone: the complete eradication of Maoist terrorism from the nation.
These powerful statements were delivered during his address to Navy personnel aboard India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing Indian Navy personnel during Deepavali celebrations aboard INS Vikrant, on October 20, 2025. Photo Credit: PMO
He emphasized that INS Vikrant transcends being merely a warship; it stands as a powerful testament to 21st-century India’s relentless hard work, innovative talent, significant global impact, and unwavering national commitment.
Indian Navy personnel attentively listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address during Deepavali celebrations aboard INS Vikrant. Photo Credit: PMO
Modi highlighted INS Vikrant as a clear reflection of the Indian armed forces’ prowess and an imposing emblem of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India).
Reiterating his earlier point, the Prime Minister underscored how the exceptional synchronization among the three branches of the military collectively forced Pakistan’s surrender during ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Furthermore, Mr. Modi noted that India is on the verge of achieving complete freedom from Maoist violence, describing this imminent success as ‘knocking on our doors’.
He proudly stated that while 125 districts were once plagued by Maoist terror, this number has now drastically reduced to a mere 11 districts.
Expressing strong confidence, the Prime Minister affirmed, ‘While 90% success has already been achieved, I am absolutely confident that our police forces will succeed in entirely eliminating Maoist violence.’
Mr. Modi further announced his government’s ambitious goal to establish India as a leading global defense exporter, highlighting that Indian shipyards have already constructed over 40 warships and submarines since 2014.
He also proudly mentioned that the name ‘Brahmos’ instills fear in adversaries, and numerous countries are now eager to acquire these advanced missiles from India.
Reflecting on his experience, Mr. Modi shared, ‘The night spent yesterday on INS Vikrant is truly beyond words. I witnessed the incredible energy and enthusiasm radiating from all of you. Seeing you sing patriotic songs and recount ‘Operation Sindoor’ through your music, I realized no language can fully capture the profound experience a soldier feels on the battlefield.’
He concluded by expressing, ‘My Deepavali this year has been particularly special, having had the honor of spending it among you brave personnel.’