In a powerful address at Mormugao Port, Goa, Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar laid out a compelling vision for a strong, secure, and developed India by 2047, aligning with the national goal of Viksit bharat @ 2047. He emphasized the critical need for peace, national security, economic strength, and maritime dominance as foundational pillars of India’s future.
Speaking on India’s long-term vision, the Vice-President underlined that achieving the goal of becoming a developed nation requires an eight-fold increase in per capita income. “Peace on our frontiers is non-negotiable,” Shri Dhankhar said. “Economic development cannot take place in a war-like atmosphere. Peace is fundamental to growth.”
He firmly emphasized the need for peace rooted in strength, asserting that true national power stems from solid security, economic growth, technological progress, and unwavering nationalism. “National security requires constant vigilance and a steadfast commitment to the nation,” he affirmed.
Lauding the Indian armed forces and intelligence for the successful execution of Operation SindoorShri Dhankhar recounted India’s decisive retaliation against Pakistan-based terrorist groups following the April 22 Pahalgam terror incident. “The precise targeting of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba bases in Muridke and Bahawalpur sent a strong global message,” he stated.
The Vice-President noted that India’s response was calculated, ethical, and effective, targeting only terrorist infrastructure while respecting international norms. “No one is asking for proof,” he said, “because the world saw the truth — in coffins escorted by the political and military forces of that country.”
Highlighting the critical importance of oceans, Shri Dhankhar called for India to lead in shipbuilding and ensure a future-ready, resilient maritime security framework. “In a world where cyber threats, strategic choke points, and transnational crimes intersect, maritime security must be proactive,” he said.
India currently transports nearly 70% of its cargo by sea in terms of value. With the country’s economy leaping forward, this figure is set to rise. “Let us catch up and lead in shipbuilding — it’s not just an opportunity, it’s a necessity,” Shri Dhankhar urged.
The Vice-President inaugurated key infrastructure projects at Mormugao Port, including a 3 MW solar power plant, two harbour mobile cranes, and a covered coal-handling dome, with a combined investment of ₹300 crore. Applauding the Modi government’s swift implementation approach, he remarked, “Development is his mission, and execution is swift and large-scale.”
“These three projects are not just infrastructure upgrades; they are redefining the evolving profile of Bharat,” he said, reflecting on how India’s ports and coastal ecosystems are becoming symbols of strength, sustainability, and progress.
Shri Dhankhar also praised the recently inaugurated Vizhinjam Port in Kerala, highlighting it as a prime example of cooperative federalism. “The Prime Minister stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Chief Ministers of different parties and private players. This is a remarkable case of national interest overriding political boundaries,” he said.
In a heartfelt tribute to the Indian Coast Guard, the Vice-President recalled his experience as former Governor of cyclone-prone West Bengal. “Thanks to your commitment, we had zero mortality at sea even during the worst cyclones,” he said.
He applauded the Coast Guard not only for their bravery but also their role in preserving marine biodiversity — from protecting Lakshadweep’s coral reefs and Sundarban mangroves to safeguarding Olive Ridley turtle nesting grounds and marine mammal migration paths. “You are both a force of steel and strategy, and also of conscience,” he said.
From enforcing anti-pollution laws to preventing illegal fishing and patrolling against maritime degradation, the Coast Guard’s silent efforts ensure the health and safety of India’s oceanic ecosystems.
India’s growing maritime strength—driven by modern infrastructure, strategic defense readiness, and ecological awareness—reflects a significant national transformation. “Bharat today stands as a global economic powerhouse and a rising maritime leader,” Shri Dhankhar stated. “Our oceans are now more crucial than ever—for trade, climate stability, and safeguarding national interests.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Goa Governor Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant, Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur, Secretary (Ports, Shipping & Waterways) Shri T.K. Ramachandran, along with senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard and port authorities.
