Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday showered praise on the Indian Navy for its stellar performance during Operation Sindoor, highlighting the crucial role played by INS Vikrant and the BrahMos missile system. Addressing naval officers and defence scientists at an event in Mumbai, PM Modi declared that India’s naval prowess has reached new heights, saying, “INS Vikrant and BrahMos have given sleepless nights to Pakistan. Today, the Indian Ocean truly belongs to India.”
A Symbol of India’s Maritime Power
Operation Sindoor, a large-scale naval exercise conducted in the Arabian Sea earlier this month, showcased India’s ability to defend its maritime borders and assert dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The centerpiece of the operation was INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, which successfully demonstrated coordinated strikes using the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Operation Sindoor, a large-scale naval exercise conducted in the Arabian Sea earlier this month, showcased India’s ability to defend its maritime borders and assert dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The centerpiece of the operation was INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, which successfully demonstrated coordinated strikes using the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
According to defence officials, Operation Sindoor simulated real-world conflict scenarios, including anti-ship warfare, submarine tracking, and coordinated missile strikes. The success of these drills reaffirmed India’s readiness to respond swiftly to any threat emerging from the sea.
PM Modi’s Message: India Is No Longer a Silent Observer
PM Modi, known for his strong stance on national security, used the occasion to emphasize India’s self-reliance in defence technology. “From the design of INS Vikrant to the technology that powers BrahMos, this is the story of India’s strength, determination, and innovation,” he said.
The Prime Minister reminded the audience that not long ago, India had to depend on foreign nations for even basic defence needs. Today, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, the country is producing world-class warships, missiles, and submarines. “We are no longer just buyers; we are now builders and innovators. This is the new India that makes its enemies restless and its people proud,” Modi added.
He further stated that India’s defence modernization is not aimed at aggression but at maintaining peace through strength. “Our vision is Shakti and Shanti — power and peace. When our forces are strong, peace prevails,” he noted.
The Significance of Operation Sindoor
Defence analysts have described Operation Sindoor as one of India’s most ambitious naval exercises in recent years. The operation’s codename — ‘Sindoor’ — symbolizes the color of strength and sacrifice, representing India’s readiness to protect its sovereignty.
The exercise reportedly involved multiple naval assets including destroyers, submarines, maritime surveillance aircraft, and carrier battle groups. The BrahMos missile system playedMilitary experts believe that the operation was a clear message to both Pakistan and China about India’s enhanced
maritime capabilities. Pakistan, in particular, has been closely monitoring India’s naval modernization. PM Modi’s “sleepless nights” remark was widely interpreted as a strategic warning, underscoring India’s deterrence posture. a central role, successfully hitting designated targets over long ranges with pinpoint accuracy.
INS Vikrant: The Pride of India’s Naval Fleet
Commissioned in September 2022, INS Vikrant (IAC-1) represents India’s growing confidence as a major defence manufacturing nation. Built at the Cochin Shipyard Limited, it is capable of operating 30 aircraft including MiG-29K fighters and advanced helicopters.
During Operation Sindoor, INS Vikrant demonstrated its ability to function as a full-fledged command center at sea. From air operations to missile coordination, every aspect of the carrier’s system performed seamlessly. According to Navy officials, the integration of BrahMos onboard Vikrant is a major step toward India’s long-term plan of achieving complete maritime self-sufficiency.
“The synergy between INS Vikrant and BrahMos is a game-changer. It allows India to strike targets at unprecedented ranges while maintaining sea control,” said a senior naval officer involved in the operation.
BrahMos: India’s Technological Triumph
The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, remains one of the most successful examples of international defence collaboration. Capable of flying at speeds of Mach 3 and delivering high-precision strikes, it has become a symbol of India’s advanced missile technology.
The new variants of BrahMos — including extended-range and air-launched versions — give India a significant edge in both land and naval warfare. PM Modi praised the DRDO scientists and engineers for continuously upgrading the system. “BrahMos is not just a missile; it is a message. A message that India will never compromise its security,” he declared.
Reports suggest that the Navy plans to deploy the hypersonic version of BrahMos in the coming years, which would drastically cut down response time during emergencies.
A Clear Message to Adversaries
The Prime Minister’s remarks have resonated strongly across India’s strategic community. Analysts point out that while Modi’s statement about Pakistan may sound bold, it reflects a broader reality — India’s growing dominance in the Indian Ocean.
Over the past decade, India has steadily increased its naval presence in key strategic locations including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and the western seaboard. This ensures that any potential threat from Pakistan or China can be detected and countered early.
Retired Admiral Arun Prakash commented, “PM Modi’s statement was not rhetoric. It was a factual acknowledgment that India now has credible deterrence in the maritime domain. With INS Vikrant, BrahMos, and upcoming assets like INS Vishal, the Indian Navy is entering a golden era.”
India’s Path Toward Defence Self-Reliance
Operation Sindoor also highlighted the success of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat policy in defence manufacturing. Over 75% of the equipment used during the operation was designed and produced domestically. This marks a significant shift from earlier decades when India depended heavily on imports.
PM Modi reaffirmed that the government will continue to invest in research, technology, and production to ensure that India becomes a global defence hub. The upcoming Defence Corridor projects in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are expected to boost indigenous manufacturing and create thousands of jobs.
Conclusion: A Proud Moment for India
As the event concluded, PM Modi congratulated the Navy for making the nation proud. He also interacted with officers and scientists who played key roles in the success of Operation Sindoor. “From the depths of the ocean to the skies above, India stands strong and vigilant. The bravery of our sailors and the brilliance of our engineers are the twin pillars of a secure India,” he said.
The successful display of strength in Operation Sindoor has reaffirmed India’s position as a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region. More importantly, it has strengthened the nation’s confidence that the future of India’s defence lies firmly in Indian hands.
by Chandan Sharma 10-20-2025
