Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2025 aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off the coasts of Goa and Karwar, marking not just the festival of lights but also a significant national milestone — over 100 districts in India are now free from Maoist influence. Addressing naval personnel on the deck of India’s pride, the Prime Minister reflected on a decade-long journey that transformed the country’s internal security landscape. Before 2014, nearly 125 districts were under the grip of Maoist insurgency, often referred to as the “Red Corridor,” stretching through Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh. Villages lived in fear, roads were mined, schools were destroyed, and hospitals were abandoned. Today, after years of coordinated efforts between central and state security agencies, only 11 districts show any Maoist presence, with just three still considered areas of active influence. Modi praised this as a moment of national pride, declaring, “For the first time, more than 100 districts are completely free from Maoist terror, breathing in the fresh air of freedom.”
The Prime Minister’s message was not merely celebratory but deeply emotional, as he paid tribute to the countless soldiers, police officers, and paramilitary personnel whose sacrifices paved the way for peace. He highlighted the contribution of the CRPF, BSF, and state police units, who operated in harsh terrains and volatile zones for years. “Many brave men and women lost limbs but never their spirit. Their courage has brought light where there was once darkness,” he said. The government’s two-pronged strategy — combining security operations with rapid development — has been central to this transformation. Roads and bridges have been built in regions that were once inaccessible, healthcare services have returned to remote areas, and schools are once again filled with children’s laughter. Villages that were once strongholds of extremism are now seeing new opportunities with industries, skill training centers, and digital connectivity.
From Red Zones to Growth Hubs: The Transformation of India’s Heartland
The decline of Maoist activity represents one of the most profound internal security achievements in recent Indian history. Government data shows that incidents of left-wing extremism have fallen by over 80% in the past decade. The success, officials say, lies in the seamless cooperation between local administrations, central forces, and development agencies. By integrating governance with ground-level development, the government has ensured that infrastructure reaches the people who were once left out of mainstream growth. Prime Minister Modi pointed out that regions once cut off from modern life now have mobile connectivity, schools, hospitals, and power supply, enabling thousands of families to rebuild their lives. The shift from violence to progress is visible in the heartlands of Dantewada, Sukma, and Gadchiroli, where newly built roads are now used for trade and transport rather than insurgency. The Prime Minister stressed that this progress has been driven not just by military success but also by an unwavering belief in development as a tool of empowerment. The tribal and rural populations that once felt alienated are now active participants in local governance. Numerous surrendered Maoists have embraced the government’s rehabilitation programs, choosing to work toward building their communities. By addressing socio-economic deprivation and ensuring justice through effective governance, the government has weakened the ideological roots of Maoism. This focus on inclusive development, combined with modern policing and intelligence coordination, has changed the face of India’s most troubled regions.
INS Vikrant and Aatmanirbhar Bharat: A Message of Strength and Unity
Celebrating Diwali with the Indian Navy aboard INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister described the aircraft carrier as a symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat — India’s pursuit of self-reliance and technological excellence. He called it an “unforgettable experience” to share the festival with the naval personnel guarding the seas. Since 2014, India has added over 40 warships and submarines to its naval fleet, most of them built domestically, demonstrating how India’s defence sector has advanced toward indigenous manufacturing and innovation. Modi commended the Navy for its vital role in protecting India’s maritime interests, maintaining regional stability, and extending humanitarian aid during disasters. “From mountains to seas, our armed forces embody courage, discipline, and selfless service,” he remarked, urging citizens to celebrate Diwali with a spirit of pride and unity.
The Prime Minister’s interaction with naval officers symbolized the broader theme of national resurgence — the blending of internal peace and external strength. He emphasized that India’s ability to defeat Maoist terror and modernize its defence simultaneously reflects the country’s growing confidence. The spirit of Diwali, he said, mirrors this triumph — light prevailing over darkness, hope over despair, and unity over division. The celebration ended with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”, echoing across the deck as the Navy joined in unison. Modi extended festive greetings to the armed forces, their families, and the 140 crore citizens of India, reinforcing his message of national solidarity. As India stands at this juncture, having freed more than 100 districts from the shadow of extremism, the achievement signifies not only a victory for the government or the armed forces but also for the people who chose peace over violence and progress over fear. The challenge ahead lies in sustaining this peace through education, employment, and equitable development, ensuring that every citizen benefits from India’s growth. The lights that shone over the Arabian Sea on Diwali were not just a celebration but a reflection of a nation’s transformation — from insurgency to inclusion, from uncertainty to strength. This freedom from Maoist terror marks a decisive step in India’s journey toward lasting peace, unity, and prosperity.
