Panaji, October 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the exceptional coordination among India’s armed forces, stating that their unity, skill, and courage during Operation Sindoor forced Pakistan to its knees in record time. Addressing naval personnel aboard INS Vikrant off the Goa coast, the prime minister said that the synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force was a defining moment that demonstrated India’s military preparedness and strategic depth.
“During Operation Sindoor, the fear instilled by the Navy, the extraordinary skills of the Air Force, and the bravery of the Army, along with the remarkable coordination among the three services, brought Pakistan to its knees swiftly,” Modi said. He added that such unity in action was the true strength of a nation determined to protect its sovereignty.
Calling INS Vikrant a “powerful symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” the Prime Minister said that the indigenously built aircraft carrier marked India’s technological and industrial self-reliance. He described the ship as not just a war vessel but a reflection of 21st-century India’s innovation, strength, and resolve. Modi recalled that the commissioning of INS Vikrant also marked the Navy’s renunciation of a colonial legacy, as it adopted a new flag inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The Prime Minister, who spent a night aboard INS Vikrant, witnessed the Navy’s impressive air power display at sea, including the take-off and landing of MiG 29K fighter jets. He also participated in a yoga session on deck and attended a vibrant cultural program where naval officers performed patriotic songs, including one written to commemorate Operation Sindoor’s success. “Last night aboard INS Vikrant was unforgettable. The enthusiasm, discipline, and spirit of our sailors made my Diwali truly special,” Modi remarked.
Highlighting India’s growing defence capabilities, Modi said that the country’s defence production had more than tripled in the last eleven years, surpassing Rs 1.5 lakh crore in 2024. Since 2014, Indian shipyards have delivered over 40 warships and submarines to the Navy, and on average, one domestically built vessel is being inducted every 40 days. He credited this success to India’s robust industrial ecosystem, defence start-ups, and indigenous design expertise.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that India was now capable of exporting weapons and defence systems to global markets. “India’s goal is to be among the world’s top defence exporters,” he said, noting that defence exports had increased more than thirtyfold in the last decade. He pointed out that missiles such as BrahMos and Akash had demonstrated their effectiveness during Operation Sindoor and were now being sought by countries around the world.
Modi reiterated that self-reliance was the foundation of a strong military. He informed the personnel that thousands of items had been identified for indigenization, ending dependence on imports. “When the enemy is in front, and war is imminent, the side that can fight independently always has the upper hand,” he said, underlining India’s commitment to developing its own defence ecosystem.
The Prime Minister also appreciated the Indian Coast Guard for working tirelessly alongside the Navy to safeguard India’s 7,500-kilometre-long coastline. “Your vigilance, courage, and dedication ensure that India sleeps peacefully,” he told the assembled officers.