New Delhi [India], May 27 (ANI): Stressing the importance of national security rooted in indigenous capability, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday stated that “war is best avoided from a position of strength” and that “peace is secured when you are ever ready for war.” He made these remarks during the inaugural session of the 7th phase of the Rajya Sabha Internship Program in New Delhi.
Highlighting the impact of recent developments, Dhankhar said Operation Sindoor had significantly shifted the national mindset towards security, the economy, and collective welfare. “We are now nationalistic as never before,” he stated. He emphasized the growing unity across political lines in addressing terrorism and projecting India’s message of peace on the global stage.
“Having seen recent events, we have no choice but to remain united and grow stronger. Like institutions, even political tribes have a moral duty to the national cause,” Dhankhar said. He appealed to all political factions to prioritize national interest above partisan politics, especially on issues of internal and external security, and economic growth. “Sometimes politics gets too hot for nationalism and security—something we need to overcome,” he added.
Underscoring the role of technological innovation and defense capability, he said, “Strength comes not just from conventional arms and technological prowess, but also from our people.” He stressed that national security must be backed by indigenous strength.
The Vice President also addressed the importance of balancing fundamental rights with fundamental duties. “Let us not cherry-pick. We claim our fundamental rights 24×7 but often ignore our duties,” he said, referencing the 42nd and 86th Amendments, which introduced these duties to the Constitution. “If we focus only on rights and not on duties, we fail to meet the expectations of being a citizen in the world’s largest, oldest, and most functional democracy.”
Dhankhar also linked Swadeshi to economic nationalism. “Economic nationalism means we must consume Swadeshi. Be vocal for local,” he urged. He warned that importing goods that could be domestically produced causes economic damage in three ways: draining foreign reserves, reducing employment opportunities, and stifling local entrepreneurship. “We fancy foreign goods unmindful that it injures our national economy,” he said.
As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar reiterated the primacy of the Indian Parliament. “Parliament reflects the will of 1.4 billion people. It is the ultimate constitutional platform to make laws and hold the Executive accountable,” he stated. He emphasized the Parliament’s role in promoting transparency, accountability, and institutional performance to accelerate national progress. “It is the ultimate place for debate, dialogue, discussion, and discourse.”
The Vice President concluded by underscoring the need for cooperation, consensus, and respect for differing views. “Our Constitution is a sacred document, crafted with great effort and vision. Our founding fathers navigated divisive, contentious, and inflammatory issues through cooperation and consensus,” he said. “Always respect the other point of view. Often, the other perspective may be the right one,” he added.
Dhankhar’s address underscored the interconnectedness of national security, economic resilience, civic responsibility, and democratic discourse in shaping India’s future. (ANI)
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