Modi to Celebrate Diwali with Troops, Continuing a Tradition That Began in Siachen

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares sweets with Indian Army personnel at Siachen Base Camp during Diwali on 23 October 2014. File photo.

In a video message on 7 November, the Prime Minister wished people peace and prosperity and said he would continue a Diwali tradition that began with a visit to Siachen in 2014.

Key Highlights

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he would celebrate Diwali with India’s soldiers again this year. His Saturday message did not name a venue.
• Modi described Diwali as an expression of the resolve to overcome darkness and wished people happiness, peace and prosperity in the year ahead.
• In 2025, he marked the festival with Indian Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant. A year earlier, he joined troops in the creek area of Kutch, Gujarat.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Diwali greetings to the nation on Saturday, 7 November 2026, and said he would spend the festival with soldiers, as he has done in previous years. He shared his greetings in a video on X, accompanying it with the message “Have a great Diwali!”

Modi said the lamps lit across the country at Diwali reflect a determination to overcome darkness. He spoke of the enthusiasm with which he celebrates the festival and wished people happiness, peace and prosperity both during Diwali and in the days ahead.

From Siachen to the Deck of INS Vikrant

Modi spent his first Diwali as Prime Minister at Siachen Base Camp on 23 October 2014. During the visit, he spoke with soldiers, shared sweets and thanked them for their service. The visit began a tradition that has since taken him to remote posts and aboard a naval aircraft carrier.

In 2024, he marked Diwali at Lakki Nala in the creek area of Kutch with personnel from the Border Security Force, Army, Navy and Air Force. He also visited a floating border outpost, where he shared sweets with security personnel. In 2025, the setting shifted to INS Vikrant, where he celebrated with the crew and spoke of sunlight on the sea reminding him of Diwali lamps.