- By Shubham Bajpai
- Mon, 20 Oct 2025 06:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his tradition of celebrating Diwali with the Indian Armed Forces this year too by joining the Indian Navy aboard the INS Vikrant. He spent the night at the aircraft carrier off the coasts of Goa and Karwar (Karnataka) on Monday.
With this year on the waters, the Prime Minister has spent Diwali with soldiers in some of the most difficult terrain, from the sub-zero temperatures of Siachen to the deserts of Jaisalmer, in an expression of a strong civil support to the armed forces.
Here's a look at where the Prime Minister has celebrated Diwali with the military over the past few years and what messages he has shared:
2024: PM Modi celebrated the last Diwali with Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy and Air Force personnel near the India-Pakistan border at Lucky Nala in the Sir Creek area of Kutch, Gujarat, on October 31, 2024. He visited a Border Outpost (BOP) in the creek area and distributed sweets to the security personnel.
He emphasised the Navy's role in securing the strategic Kutch coastline, which faces significant threats against India. Describing Sir Creek as a symbol of India's unity, he said it has previously been a hotbed of enemy provocations. PM Modi noted the presence and vigilance of the armed forces, including the Navy, and recalled the decisive response given to the enemy during the 1971 war.
2023: On November 12, 2023, the Prime Minister addressed the brave soldiers at Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh on the occasion of Diwali.
During his visit, he underscored the role of the Indian Army in evacuating not only Indians but also foreign nationals from conflict zones across the world. He recalled the successful evacuation from conflict-affected Sudan and the rescue mission following the earthquake in Türkiye.
2022: PM Modi celebrated the festival with the army in Kargil on October 24, 2022. He emphasized that in every war against Pakistan, Kargil has always hoisted the tricolor in victory.
PM Modi recalled witnessing the Kargil war closely and said it left a deep impression on him.
2021: Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with the Army in Nowshera district of Jammu and Kashmir on November 4, 2021. He said that Nowshera's history symbolizes India's bravery, and its present reflects the courage and determination of its soldiers. He added that this region has always stood strong against invaders and occupiers.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Naushera heroes Brigadier Usman and Naik Jadunath Singh. He also saluted Lt RR Rane and other brave soldiers who displayed exceptional valour and patriotism. He also praised the brigade deployed for its role in the surgical strike and recalled the relief he felt when all the brave soldiers returned safely from the mission.
2020: On November 14, 2020, the Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with soldiers at Longewala in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and paid tribute to their sacrifice. He recalled the Battle of Longewala, saying it will be remembered in the history of strategic planning and military valour.
2019: PM Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian Army soldiers at the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on October 27, 2019. The Prime Minister visited the 'Hall of Fame' in Rajouri and paid tribute to the brave soldiers and civilians who laid down their lives to defend the Rajouri and Poonch sectors.
2018: In 2018, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with Army and ITBP soldiers in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. He encouraged them by distributing sweets.
2017: In 2017, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with BSF and Army soldiers in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir. He also sent a strong message to Pakistan. Here, PM Modi directly warned Pakistan that fostering terrorism would lead to dire consequences.
2016: In 2016, PM Modi visited the soldiers of the Army and Dogra Scouts in Himachal Pradesh. The meeting between the PM and the soldiers was widely discussed. He met the soldiers like a friend, encouraging them, and even posing for photographs.
2015: In 2015, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian Army soldiers in Punjab. He then visited the 1965 War Memorial to deliver a message to Pakistan. PM Modi celebrates Diwali with Indian soldiers deployed at various locations each year.
2014: Celebrating Diwali with army soldiers began in 2014 when PM Modi visited Siachen. PM Modi celebrated his first Diwali in Siachen after forming the government. Indian soldiers defend the border in Siachen under some of the most difficult conditions, with temperatures reaching as low as -40 degrees Celsius.
