Panaji (Goa) [India], October 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali on Monday in the company of India's armed forces and expressed his happiness to be with naval personnel on the western seaboard off Goa and Karwar.

Sharing his experience on X, PM Modi wrote, 'People love celebrating Diwali with their families. And so do I, which is why every year I meet our army and security personnel who keep our nation safe. Happy to be among our brave naval personnel on the western seaboard off Goa and Karwar on Indian Naval Ships with INS Vikrant as the flagship.'

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1980163565609709724

PM Modi on Monday referred to the Indian Armed Forces as 'his family' as he kept with his annual tradition over the previous 11 years to celebrate Diwali with the armed forces of the country. PM Modi addressed Navy personnel aboard the indegenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, presently stationed off the coast of Goa and Karwar in the Arabian Sea.

'It has become a habit of mine to celebrate Diwali with my family, and that's why every year I come to celebrate Diwali with my family,' he said.

PM Modi said that he is 'fortunate' to celebrate Diwali with Indian soldiers. 'Today, on one side, I have infinite horizons, infinite sky, and on the other side, I have this giant, INS Vikrant, embodying infinite powers. The glow of the sun's rays on the ocean's waters is like the Diwali lamps lit by brave soldiers... I am fortunate that this time I am celebrating this holy festival of Diwali among all you brave soldiers of the Navy,' PM Modi said.

PM also shared his experience with the soldiers and celebrated their immense energy and enthusiasm. 'The night spent yesterday on INS Vikrant is hard to put into words. I saw the immense energy and enthusiasm you all were filled with. When I saw you singing patriotic songs yesterday, and the way you described Operation Sindoor in your songs, no words can ever fully convey the experience that a jawan feels standing on a battlefield,' he said.

PM Modi further spoke about INS Vikrant, emphasising how its name can give 'sleepless nights' to the country's enemies.

'You all must remember the day our nation received its very own indigenous INS Vikrant. On that very day, the Indian Navy bid farewell to one of the greatest symbols of colonial legacy. Inspired by the valour and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, our Navy adopted a new ensign that truly reflects our pride and identity. Today, INS Vikrant stands as a powerful symbol of #AtmanirbharBharat and the spirit of Made in India. Swadeshi INS Vikrant is symbol of India's strength. Few months back we saw that Vikrant gave Pakistan sleepless nights only by his name. I want to salute our forces,' PM Modi said. (ANI)