Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Indian Navy personnel during Diwali celebration aboard INS Vikrant.
Credit: PTI Photo
Mumbai: Underscoring the importance of jointmanship and camaraderie, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the extraordinary coordination of the three armed forces during Operation Sindor brought Pakistan to its knees and the neighbouring country surrendered in record time.
“The fear instilled by the Indian Navy, the extraordinary skill demonstrated by the Indian Air Force, and the bravery of the Indian Army, along with the exceptional coordination among all three services, compelled Pakistan to surrender swiftly during Operation Sindoor (launched after the Pahalgam terrorist attack),” he said and expressed his special salute to the Indian armed forces.
Addressing the officers and personnel of the armed forces on board indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in the Arabian Sea off the Goa coast after witnessing an exercise and celebrating Diwali, the Prime Minister said that all personnel involved are truly deserving of congratulations.
In a strong message to Pakistan, Modi said that when the enemy is in front and war is imminent, the side that possesses the strength to fight independently always holds the advantage.
“India’s armed forces have served the nation across all domains—land, sea, and air—and under every circumstance,” he said, adding: “The Navy is deployed in the seas to safeguard India’s maritime boundaries and trade interests, while the Air Force remains committed to securing the skies. On land, from scorching deserts to icy glaciers, the Army, along with BSF and ITBP personnel, stand firm like a rock.”
The PM further acknowledged that across various fronts, personnel from SSB, Assam Rifles, CRPF, CISF, and intelligence agencies are steadfastly serving Mother India.
The Prime Minister also commended the Indian Coast Guard for their vital role in national defence, noting their continuous coordination with the Navy to secure India’s coastline day and night.
PM focus on self reliance
Modi said that for the armed forces to be strong, self-reliance is essential. “Over the past decade, India’s forces have steadily advanced towards self-reliance. The armed forces have identified thousands of items that will no longer be imported, resulting in most essential military equipment now being manufactured domestically,” he said.
Modi said that in the last 11 years, India’s defence production has more than tripled, crossing Rs 1.5 lakh crore last year. Citing another example, Modi informed the nation that since 2014, Indian shipyards have delivered over 40 indigenous warships and submarines to the Navy. “On average, a new indigenous warship or submarine is being inducted into the Navy every 40 days,” he said.
'Many countries are keen on BrahMos, Akash'
“Missiles like BrahMos and Akash have proven their capabilities during Operation Sindoor. Several countries around the world are now interested in purchasing these missiles”,the Prime Minister said emphasising that India is building the capacity to export weapons and equipment for all three armed forces. “India’s goal is to be counted among the world’s top defence exporters,” said Modi, stating that over the past decade, India’s defence exports have increased more than 30-fold. He credited this success significantly to the contributions of defence start-ups and indigenous defence units.