Goa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his annual tradition of celebrating Diwali with armed forces personnel stationed along India’s borders, this year visiting the Navy on the Goa coastline. Modi spent time at the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant near the Karwar coast, interacting with the naval crew and sharing festive moments with the personnel.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said, “I feel fortunate to celebrate the festival of lights with our naval personnel. This scene will remain etched in my memory forever. On one side, I see the vast ocean, and on the other, the strength of our brave soldiers. The sunlight over the sea shines like the lamps lit by our personnel.”
Since assuming office in 2014, Modi has celebrated Diwali annually with soldiers along the borders, donning military attire, engaging with troops, distributing sweets, and boosting morale. His first such celebration took place in 2014 with troops stationed in Siachen, setting the precedent for these yearly interactions.
Over the years, Modi has observed Diwali with various security and defense personnel across India. In 2018, he celebrated with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police in Uttarakhand; in 2022, he visited troops in Kargil; in 2023, he joined soldiers at the Lepcha military camp on the China border in Himachal Pradesh; and last year, he celebrated with border security, Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel at Sir Creek in Kutch, reflecting his ongoing commitment to honoring India’s armed forces.