Panaji (Goa)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the capabilities of INS Vikrant - India's first indigenous aircraft carrier - noting how its deployment in the Arabian Sea during Operation Sindoor was enough to send "waves of fear" across Pakistan.

PM also saluted the courage of the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor that brought Pakistan to "its knees in record time."

"Just a few months ago, we witnessed how the very name Vikrant sent waves of fear across Pakistan. Such is its might -- a name that shatters the enemy's courage even before the battle begins. This is the power of INS Vikrant... On this occasion, I especially want to salute our armed forces," PM Modi said.

"The extraordinary coordination between our three services brought Pakistan to its knees in record time. I once again salute the brave hearts of the Armed Forces. When the threat is real and conflict seems possible, the advantage always lies with those who can stand and fight on their own strength. For our forces to be truly effective, it is vital that they remain strong, capable and self-reliant," PM Modi added.

PM Modi visited the INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa and Karwar to celebrate Diwali with navy personnel, continuing his tradition of celebrating the festival with soldiers.

He said with INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy bid farewell to one of the greatest symbols of colonial legacy. He added that INS Vikrant is a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India.

"You all must remember the day our nation received its very own indigenous INS Vikrant. On that very day, the Indian Navy bid farewell to one of the greatest symbols of colonial legacy. Inspired by the valour and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, our Navy adopted a new ensign that truly reflects our pride and identity," PM Modi said.

"Today, INS Vikrant stands as a powerful symbol of AtmanirbharBharat and the spirit of Made in India. Swadeshi INS Vikrant is a symbol of India's strength. A few months back, we saw that Vikrant gave Pakistan sleepless nights just by his name. I want to salute our forces," PM Modi added.

PM Modi also highlighted that India's defence budget has tripled in the past decade.

"In the past decade, our defence production has more than tripled. Last year alone, it reached a record of around Rs 1.5 lakh crore... Since 2014, India has delivered over 40 indigenous warships and submarines to the Navy... Now, on average, a new indigenous warship or submarine is being inducted into the Navy every 40 days," he said.

PM Modi also hailed BrahMos missiles and Akash defence system, which proved their capabilities during Operation Sindoor.

"Our missiles like BrahMos and Akash have also proven their capability in Operation Sindoor. The name BrahMos itself is so renowned that just hearing it makes many people anxious, wondering if BrahMos is coming. Today, many countries around the world want to purchase these missiles. Whenever I meet experts, they all express the same desire, that they too want access to them," he said.

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Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. Operation Sindoor hit the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK. Indian Armed Forces also effectively repelled subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases.