‘Coordination among 3 services brought Pakistan to its knees’: PM celebrates Diwali with navy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the extraordinary coordination among the three services together compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor.

He made the remarks while addressing the navy personnel on board INS Vikrant as he celebrated Diwali with its crew.

The PM left for Goa on Sunday evening and from there went to INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa. The visit was planned in a discreet manner, sources said.

While on board INS Vikrant, the PM went to the Flightdeck, surrounded by the MiG 29 fighters. He witnessed the air power demo, including the takeoff and landing of MiG 29 fighters on a short runway.

The PM also witnessed a vibrant cultural programme where the officers and sailors of INS sang patriotic songs, including a song specially written to commemorate the success of armed forces in Operation Sindoor.

"PM Modi was deeply moved by this experience. PM Modi had dinner with the extended family of naval personnel during the Bara Khana," PMO sources said.

On Monday morning, the prime minister joined a yoga session on the deck of INS Vikrant.

Addressing the navy personnel, the PM said his goal is to see India counted among the world’s leading defence exporters.

"In the last decade, our defence exports have increased by more than 30 times, and behind this success, defence start-ups have played a very big role. Our science, our prosperity, and our strength are meant to serve humanity and safeguard it.

“Today, in an interconnected world where the economies and progress of nations depend on maritime routes, the Indian Navy plays a crucial role in maintaining global stability. Today, 66% of the world’s oil supply and 50% of global container shipments pass through the Indian Ocean. In securing these routes, the Indian Navy is deployed like a guardian of the Indian seas," he said.

INS Vikrant is India's fourth aircraft carrier and the first to be built indigenously.