In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Diwali tradition of celebrating with soldiers in forward areas, India’s top military leaders are honoring the festival with troops stationed at key points around the country.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan is marking Diwali with personnel at the tri-services Andaman and Nicobar Command in Port Blair, while Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are celebrating with soldiers along the sensitive border in Arunachal Pradesh.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi is with naval personnel in Porbandar, Gujarat, a location known for vigilance against cross-border smuggling, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh is stationed with air force personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, where high alert is maintained along the Line of Control.

PM Modi has annually spent Diwali with forward-deployed troops, underscoring his support for their morale. Defence Minister Singh, who initiated the practice of shastra pooja during Dussehra in 2019, has also extended this appreciation for the armed forces during festive seasons. Other senior military officers have similarly observed Dussehra with troops in Sikkim and West Bengal, highlighting the government’s commitment to honoring the dedication of India’s armed forces.