India’s Leaders Mark Diwali with Troops in Bastar and Sikkim

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are set to observe Diwali on the frontlines of India’s security apparatus.

Modi will travel to Bastar in Chhattisgarh on 8 November to celebrate the festival of lights with the region’s security forces. In a post on X, he praised the “unbreakable dedication” of the troops, noting that the area, once plagued by Naxal violence, now enjoys visible development and progress.

The prime minister also sent a separate Diwali message to the nation, wishing families across the country a joyous and prosperous celebration.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, meanwhile, will spend the Diwali eve meeting army personnel at Bagdogra airfield and at Sukna in Siliguri. On Diwali day, he will travel to the Sherthang War Memorial in Sikkim to honour the ultimate sacrifice of soldiers who defended the nation.

The Sherthang War Memorial—also referred to as the Watershed Martyrs War Memorial—is situated near the Nathu La pass on the India‑China border in East Sikkim, serving as a historic reminder of the bravery of India’s armed forces.