PM Modi Diwali Visits Armed Forces: Twelve Years of Unwavering Tradition Strengthens Military Morale and National Unity

Key Highlights:

• PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces marked their 12th consecutive year in 2025 with Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant off Goa and Karwar coasts
• The tradition spans from Siachen Glacier’s extreme conditions to Arabian Sea operations, covering strategic locations across India’s defense perimeter
• These annual celebrations have evolved into significant morale boosters for India’s 1.4 million active military personnel stationed at challenging frontier positions

PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces have transformed from symbolic gestures into a defining tradition that strengthens the bond between India’s highest office and its military guardians. This year’s celebration aboard INS Vikrant off the coasts of Goa and Karwar marked the twelfth consecutive year of PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces, a practice that began during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and formally commenced as Prime Minister in 2014 at Siachen Glacier. The Prime Minister’s commitment to PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces has become a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy, demonstrating unwavering support for India’s defense personnel who sacrifice festival celebrations with their families to guard the nation’s borders.

𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫. 🪔🇮🇳

For 11 consecutive years, PM Modi has celebrated Diwali not in Delhi — but with the Guardians of Bharat at the nation’s borders.

From the icy heights of Siachen Glacier to the mighty decks of INS… pic.twitter.com/8bh0A6iOhg

— BJP (@BJP4India) October 20, 2025

The significance of PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces extends far beyond ceremonial appearances, serving as powerful morale boosters for India’s military forces stationed across the most challenging terrains and strategic positions. From the world’s highest battlefield at Siachen to the depths of the Arabian Sea aboard INS Vikrant, PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces systematically cover locations where soldiers face extreme conditions while maintaining national security. The tradition encompasses all three service branches of India’s armed forces, which collectively maintain a strength of over 1.4 million active personnel, 2.1 million reserve forces, and 1.3 million paramilitary personnel, making it the world’s second-largest military force.

Highlights from INS Vikrant, including the Air Power Demo, a vibrant cultural programme and more… pic.twitter.com/Br943m0oCC

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2025

Strategic Locations Showcase Defense Readiness Through Annual Celebrations

PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces strategically encompass India’s most sensitive border areas and critical defense installations, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the country’s security apparatus. The 2025 celebration aboard INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, highlighted the nation’s growing naval capabilities and maritime security focus in the Indo-Pacific region. This 45,000-tonne warship, constructed at a cost of Rs. 20,000 crores with 76% indigenous content, represents India’s technological advancement in defense manufacturing and self-reliance initiatives. The vessel’s specifications include a 262-meter length, capability to operate 30 aircraft including MiG-29K fighters, and advanced combat management systems developed by Indian companies.

Each location chosen for PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces carries strategic significance, from the icy heights of Kargil where temperatures drop to -40°C to the challenging terrain of Sir Creek in Gujarat’s Kutch region. The 2024 PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces at Sir Creek involved personnel from BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force, demonstrating the integrated approach to border security where multiple services coordinate operations. During this visit, PM Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to border infrastructure development, noting that over 80,000 kilometers of roads have been constructed by the Border Roads Organization, including 400 significant bridges and major tunnels like Atal and Sela tunnels for all-weather connectivity.​

Celebrating Diwali with our brave Navy personnel on board the INS Vikrant. https://t.co/5J9XNHwznH

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2025

PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces also highlight India’s defense modernization efforts, particularly the transition from arms imports to indigenous production and exports. Defense exports have increased thirty-fold over the past decade, with armed forces identifying over 5,000 military equipment items that will no longer be imported, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defense sector. This transformation includes the establishment of integrated theater commands and the Chief of Defense Staff position to enhance coordination among the three services, addressing evolving warfare challenges and new security threats.

Regional Distribution of PM Modi Diwali Visits Armed Forces (2014-2025)

Cultural and Emotional Impact of Annual Military Celebrations

The emotional resonance of PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces extends beyond official protocols, creating genuine connections between the nation’s leadership and frontline defenders. During the 2025 INS Vikrant celebration, naval personnel composed and performed a special song titled “Kasam Sindoor Ki” that left a lasting impression on the Prime Minister, demonstrating the creative talents and emotional depth of military personnel. The visit included traditional naval customs such as Bara Khana, a communal dining tradition integral to armed forces culture, yoga sessions, and cultural programs that showcased the multi-faceted nature of military life.

PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces consistently emphasize treating defense personnel as family members, with the Prime Minister stating that Diwali should be celebrated with family, which is why he spends the festival with soldiers who sacrifice time with their own families for national duty. This personal touch resonates deeply with military personnel stationed in remote and challenging locations, from the floating Border Outposts in Sir Creek’s harsh environmental conditions to high-altitude posts along the China border. The Prime Minister’s presence brings national recognition to the sacrifices made by personnel in locations where temperatures vary from scorching heat during the day to extreme cold at night.

PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces have inspired similar initiatives from India’s top defense leadership, with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh following the Prime Minister’s example by celebrating Diwali with troops at various strategic locations. This cascading effect demonstrates how PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces have institutionalized the practice of senior leadership maintaining close connections with frontline personnel during significant festivals.

Timeline Evolution of PM Modi Diwali Visits Armed Forces (2014-2025)

Defense Modernization and Strategic Messaging Through Annual Visits

PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces consistently incorporate strategic messaging about India’s defense capabilities and deterrent posture, particularly regarding neighboring threats. During the 2024 Sir Creek visit, the Prime Minister delivered strong warnings about Pakistan’s terrorism sponsorship, stating that “when the world sees you, it sees the strength of India and when the enemy sees you, it sees the end of evil intentions”. These messages reinforce India’s position that current government policies align with armed forces’ determination, placing trust in military strength rather than enemy assurances.​

PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces showcase India’s technological advancement in defense systems, from indigenous aircraft carriers to advanced drone capabilities and modern fighter aircraft operations. The 2025 INS Vikrant celebration featured demonstrations of MiG-29K fighter jet operations, including takeoffs and landings on the short aircraft carrier runway during both daylight and nighttime conditions, highlighting naval aviation capabilities. The steampast included multiple advanced warships such as INS Vikramaditya, INS Surat, INS Mormugao, and INS Chennai, demonstrating the Navy’s expanding fleet capabilities and international engagement.

During recent PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces, the Prime Minister consistently emphasized self-reliance in defense production, which has yielded tangible results with India transitioning from primarily importing defense equipment to becoming a significant exporter. The establishment of aircraft manufacturing facilities like the C395 factory in Vadodara, development of indigenous submarines, and advancement of the Tejas fighter jet program represent concrete achievements in defense manufacturing. PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces provide platforms for recognizing the military’s role in identifying equipment for indigenous production, demonstrating the collaborative approach between military leadership and defense manufacturing initiatives.​

Final Assessment of National Unity Through Military Leadership

PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces have evolved into a powerful symbol of national unity and leadership commitment to military welfare over twelve consecutive years. The practice demonstrates how consistent personal engagement by the highest office can strengthen the connection between civilian leadership and military institutions, creating a model for democratic governance that prioritizes armed forces morale and recognition. PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces effectively bring the “family” of the entire nation to India’s borders and maritime boundaries, ensuring that personnel stationed in the most remote and challenging locations feel connected to the broader national community.

The strategic impact of PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces extends beyond morale building to encompass defense diplomacy and deterrence messaging, as neighboring countries and international observers witness India’s commitment to military strength and border security. PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces at strategic locations like Kargil, Siachen, Sir Creek, and now INS Vikrant send clear signals about India’s resolve to defend its territorial integrity and maritime interests. PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces have successfully institutionalized the practice of senior leadership engagement with frontline personnel, creating a culture where political and military leaders maintain close connections with troops serving in challenging conditions.

The evolution of PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces from symbolic visits to comprehensive celebrations involving cultural programs, strategic demonstrations, and policy announcements reflects their maturation into a significant annual event in India’s defense calendar. As PM Modi stated during the 2025 INS Vikrant celebration, these moments create “a divine garland of lights” formed by the dedication of valiant soldiers, transforming the festival of lights into a celebration of national strength and military sacrifice. PM Modi Diwali visits armed forces stand as a testament to the importance of maintaining strong civilian-military relationships in democratic governance while honoring the service of those who guard the nation’s frontiers.