Prime Minister Narendra Modi is travelling to Bastar, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday, 8 November 2026, to celebrate Diwali with security personnel serving in the region. The visit continues his annual practice of marking the festival with members of the country’s security forces.
Modi pays tribute to security personnel
In a post on X on Sunday, Modi said: “Heading to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces. This is an area where Naxalism once held sway and now, development is flourishing. I am going to salute our brave security personnel for their sacrifices, selfless service and unwavering devotion to the nation.”
The Press Information Bureau confirmed the visit, saying the Prime Minister was heading to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with security personnel and pay tribute to their sacrifices and devotion to the nation. It also described the region as one where development is flourishing after a period affected by Naxalism.
Background to the visit
Bastar was long regarded as a major centre of Left-Wing Extremism. On 31 March 2026, the government announced that the country was free from the menace of Maoism, following the elimination of several leaders and cadres and the surrender of hundreds of others.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared Bastar Naxal-free in May 2026. Central Armed Police Forces, particularly the CRPF and its CoBRA units, have worked alongside the Chhattisgarh Police and District Reserve Guard in anti-Maoist operations in the region.
CRPF records a year without an operational fatality
The visit comes days after the CRPF marked 12 consecutive months without an operational fatality, its first such period in 47 years. The last operational fatality was recorded on 30 October 2025. Modi praised the milestone on X, writing: “A ZERO that speaks volumes.”
CRPF Director General GP Singh attributed the record to modern equipment, improved training, strategic planning and faster medical evacuation of injured personnel.
Visit details remain undisclosed
On Saturday, while sending Diwali greetings, Modi reaffirmed that he would continue his practice of celebrating the festival with the country’s soldiers. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the Prime Minister to Bastar, describing the visit as an honour to the courage and sacrifices of security forces and a symbol of the region’s transition towards peace and development.
The precise location of the interaction in Bastar has not been officially disclosed. Modi is expected to spend time with personnel deployed in the area. The visit is seen as recognition of the security forces’ role in the campaign against Naxalism and of Bastar’s continuing shift from conflict towards development.
