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Number of Naxal-affected districts drop from 125 to just 11 in last 11 years

PM Modi shares progress while celebrating Diwali aboard INS Vikrant

Vasco (Goa) – India is now steadily moving towards freedom from Naxalite terror, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while celebrating Diwali aboard the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in the Arabian Sea. He said that before 2014, as many as 125 districts across India were affected by Maoist violence. After 11 years of determined effort, the number has been drastically reduced — with only 11 districts remaining to be declared free from Maoism. He added that over 100 districts are now celebrating a Maoism-free Diwali. This marks the 12th consecutive year that the Prime Minister has celebrated Diwali with India’s armed forces.

Key points shared by Prime Minister Modi

Vikrant gave sleepless nights to Pakistan

Modi said, ‘You may recall, the day our nation commissioned the indigenously built INS Vikrant, the Navy also shed a major symbol of colonial legacy by adopting a new ensign inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Today, Vikrant stands as a proud symbol of self-reliant India and the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Recently, Vikrant kept Pakistan awake at night. The very name INS Vikrant is powerful enough to unsettle our enemies’.

A new indigenous warship every 40 days

Modi said, ‘Wherever you are listening from, remember this — every 40 days, one indigenously built warship or submarine is being commissioned into our Navy. Our indigenous BrahMos and Akash missiles have already proven their strength. Just hearing the word ‘BrahMos’ makes many nations uneasy — and several countries wish to purchase these missiles. India is now building the capability to export weapons and defence equipment for all three services. Our defence exports have grown 30-fold, and we are on track to become one of the world’s leading defence exporters’.

I’m used to celebrating Diwali with my own family

‘During Diwali, everyone wishes to celebrate with their family — and I am no different. And hence, over the years, I have grown accustomed to celebrating Diwali with my family in uniform — you. That is why I am here among you this time as well. When INS Vikrant was being entered in service, I had said that Vikrant and Viraat are not just warships — they are the living embodiments of 21st-century India’s hard work, skill, and strength’, PM said.

I have learnt much from our soldiers

I have been among you since yesterday. I have learnt something from each one of you. Your discipline, devotion, and dedication are of such a high order that I may not have lived it myself, but I have come to understand its depth. I can imagine how difficult your life at sea must be. Being close to you, I can feel your breath and see the spark in your eyes.

‘During Diwali, everyone wishes to celebrate with their family — and I am no different. And hence, over the years, I have grown accustomed to celebrating Diwali with my family in uniform — you. That is why I am here among you this time as well. When INS Vikrant was being entered in service, I had said that Vikrant and Viraat are not just warships — they are the living embodiments of 21st-century India’s hard work, skill, and strength’, PM said.

It is my privilege to celebrate Diwali with the Navy

On one side lies the vast ocean, and on the other, the boundless courage of India’s brave soldiers. Above us stretches the infinite sky, and before us stands the embodiment of infinite power — INS Vikrant, shining like a divine garland of lights. It is my great privilege to celebrate this sacred festival of Diwali among the valiant warriors of the Indian Navy.

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