The North News
(Mormugao Port) Goa, May 21
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday underscored the inseparable link between peace and national development, asserting that economic growth cannot coexist with war-like conditions. “Peace is fundamental to growth and development,” Dhankhar told a gathering after inaugurating infrastructure projects at Mormugao Port in Goa. “Peace comes from strength — strength in security, strength in economy, strength in development, and a deep, unflinching commitment to nationalism.”
Dhankhar said India’s aspiration to become a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 requires not only economic ambition but also national unity and military preparedness. “We need an eight-fold rise in per capita income. That calls for peace at our borders. National security demands relentless preparedness and unwavering nationalism,” he added.
His remarks came as he praised Operation Sindoor, a recent military action launched in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Dhankhar lauded the Indian response as “precise” and “exemplary,” targeting terror hubs of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba deep inside Pakistan, in Muridke and Bahawalpur.
“This was a clear message to the world: terrorism will no longer go unpunished,” said Dhankhar, highlighting the operation was so effective that “no one is asking for proof” because the funerals of those killed were “escorted by the military, political forces and terrorists” in Pakistan. He hailed the strike as a moment of “unrivaled” resolve in the history of democratic nations.
The Vice-President credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the pace of national development. “This government doesn’t just plan — it delivers. The PM’s mission is development, and his execution is fast, focused and at scale,” Dhankhar said.
Touching on wider geopolitical and economic concerns, Dhankhar stressed the growing complexity of maritime security. “In a world of shifting strategic choke points, cyber threats and transnational crimes, upholding a rules-based order at sea is no less than a challenge. India’s maritime security must be resilient, proactive, and future-ready.”
He called for India to take leadership in shipbuilding to meet future cargo demands, noting that 70 percent of the country’s trade by value moves via sea routes. “Our economy is not just leaping — it is making a quantum jump. We must be prepared,” he said.
He hailed these developments as signs of India’s rise as a global maritime power. “Our Bharat is emerging as both an economic force and a maritime leader in the Indo-Pacific. Our oceans matter more than ever — for economy, for security, and for trade,” he said.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, India maritime policy, Operation Sindoor, Indian security, terrorism response, Indo-Pacific strategy, Mormugao port, Modi government projects, shipbuilding India, India economic growth
