Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent Diwali aboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, joining naval personnel stationed off the coast of Goa. The overnight engagement, which began on Sunday (October 19, 2025) evening, saw PM Modi travelling discreetly from Delhi to Goa before being ferried to the warship at sea, marking a low-profile yet symbolic festival appearance.
Once aboard the 45,000-tonne carrier, PM Modi spent the evening participating in a range of activities alongside naval officers and their families, extending from operational displays to cultural performances and ceremonial gatherings.
What did the Prime Minister witness aboard INS Vikrant?
The Prime Minister visited the flight deck, where he observed a detailed air power demonstration featuring the Navy’s MiG-29K fighter jets. The display included day and night take-offs and landings on the carrier’s short runway, underscoring the precision of naval aviators and the technical readiness of India’s carrier operations.
Later, the decks turned into a stage for a cultural programme, where officers and sailors performed patriotic songs, including one composed specially to commemorate the Armed Forces’ success in Operation Sindoor. The evening concluded with the traditional Bara Khana — a communal dinner held on board — where the Prime Minister dined with naval personnel and their families.
How did the morning unfold at sea?
Monday (October 20, 2025) morning began with a yoga session on the carrier’s upper deck, where PM Modi joined uniformed personnel against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. This was followed by a grand steampast and flypast featuring the Navy’s western fleet.
The participating warships included INS Vikrant, INS Vikramaditya, INS Surat, INS Mormugao, INS Chennai, INS Imphal, INS Kolkata, INS Tushil, INS Tabar, INS Teg, INS Betwa, INS Deepak and INS Aditya. The accompanying aerial formation featured Chetak helicopters bearing the naval ensign, as well as MH-60R, Seaking, Kamov-31, Dornier, P-8I and MiG-29K aircraft, presenting a rare spectacle of India’s maritime aviation strength.
Commissioned by PM Modi in September 2022, INS Vikrant is India’s largest indigenously constructed warship and a symbol of its growing defence manufacturing capability. Built by Cochin Shipyard, the vessel serves as the Indian Navy’s principal combat platform, capable of hosting the service’s entire carrier aviation wing, including MiG-29K fighters and multi-role helicopters.