Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali aboard INS Vikrant on Monday, marking yet another year of his tradition of spending the festival with India’s armed forces. The celebration took place off the coast of Goa, where the Prime Minister lauded the Indian Navy and India’s indigenous defense capabilities. PM Modi said that even the very name of INS Vikrant was enough to give sleepless nights to Pakistan — a testament to the warship’s strategic strength and symbolic power.
Commissioned in 2022, INS Vikrant represents India’s entry into an elite global club of nations capable of designing and building their own aircraft carriers. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, this floating fortress stands as a landmark of India’s naval self-reliance and industrial innovation.
Named After a 1971 War Hero
The name INS Vikrant holds deep historical significance. It pays tribute to the original INS Vikrant, which played a decisive role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war leading to the creation of Bangladesh. The term ‘Vikrant’ means “courageous” or “victorious,” perfectly symbolizing the warship’s fearless spirit and India’s maritime pride.
A Floating City at Sea
Often described as a “city on the move,” INS Vikrant measures 262 metres in length and 62 metres in width roughly the size of two football fields. With 18 floors, 2,400 compartments, a 16-bed hospital, and accommodation for over 1,600 crew members, the warship is a self-sufficient floating city designed to sustain long missions at sea.
Unmatched Air Power
The carrier can host up to 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and advanced helicopters. Its hangar space is as large as two Olympic-size swimming pools, enabling smooth flight and maintenance operations. After years of testing, INS Vikrant achieved full operational status last year and now operates under the Western Naval Command as a fully battle-ready vessel.
FAQs
Q1: Why did PM Modi celebrate Diwali on INS Vikrant?
A: PM Modi continued his decade-long tradition of spending Diwali with the armed forces, choosing INS Vikrant this year to honor India’s naval achievements.
Q2: What makes INS Vikrant special?
A: INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, symbolizing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Q3: How large is INS Vikrant?
A: The warship spans 262 metres and houses over 1,600 crew, making it one of the largest in Asia.
Q4: When was INS Vikrant commissioned?
A: INS Vikrant was commissioned in September 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
