सभी को नमस्कार, 

Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai Ji. Energetic, young, dynamic Chief Minister, Goa, Shri Pramod Sawant. Shri Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. A great leader from state of West Bengal. Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of State in Government of India. Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha, every member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha is very important to the Chairman, Rajya Sabha. 

One of the best, Mr. Sadanand Tanavade. Shri T K Ramachandran, Secretary, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Government of India. A dynamic man in concert with the Hon'ble Minister of Sarbananda Sonowal Ji, big change is taking place in Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Am I right, Shantanu Ji? Shantanu Ji is working in overdrive. Dr. N. Vinodkumar, Chairperson, Mormugao Port Authority, a member of Indian Postal Service. Commander Coast Guard West, Inspector General Bhisham Sharma Ji, salutations to you and your entire team. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I have been an MLA myself, and MLAs are very important, am I right, मुख्यमंत्री जी? विधायकों का महत्व बहुत बड़ा है। We are fortunate to have two members of the Assembly today, Daji Salkar and Sankalp Amonkar. मैं वहाँ बैठे-बैठे आपसे आँख मिला रहा था, और मुझे मेरा समय याद आ रहा था, जब '93 से 98’ तक मैं विधायक था। 

Members of Coast Guard, senior district officials and distinguished audience, it was a delightful occasion for me when three projects with financial outlay of about 300 crores came to be dedicated today. One facet of Narendra Modi government is they dedicate, which means they complete fast. The Prime Minister has passion for development. Development is his mission, and he believes in fast execution, and execution of a scale. 

Ladies and gentlemen, these three projects dedicated today are defining the changing profile of Bharat, three-megawatt solar power plant. You will be pleased to know, International Solar Alliance Headquarter is in India. A decade ago, we hardly had presence of solar power. Now it is doting our landscape everywhere. We are very big at a global level in solar power. It is a clean energy, renewable energy, green energy. मुख्यमंत्री जी, आपको तो बहुत अच्छा लगा होगा, क्योंकि आपका जो environment है pristine, tempting. I would say, paradise for tourists. आपको इसकी बहुत आवश्यकता है, और काम भी हो रहा है। I can see cheer on his face. 

Commercial operation of two harbour mobile cranes, we saw them, the big ones, at burst 10 and 11. This also indicates that our ports are getting modernised. We are keeping pace with technology. We are determined to be world leaders and therefore, technological penetration, swift handling, eco-friendly handling, is fundamental to ports. And the third one, which is very significant, covered dome for coal handling. One, it's a project indicating Public-Private-Partnership. One of the leading corporates, JSW, has done it. And what I saw on the screen is a remarkable technological masterpiece, but there has to be covered coal handling if we are to protect our environment. This is need of the hour. 

I am so glad that this great initiative has been taken in concert with one of the leading corporates, the JSW. It is a matter of great pride for me to be at Mormugao Port, one of the oldest, most strategic maritime gateway, and amongst nation's top 10 in the state of Goa. Mormugao Port embodies India's maritime legacy, dating back to Indus Valley civilisation, and reminds us of something very unique for which Goa and Goans can take pride — Goans' seafaring traditions. These traditions are the envy of the world and a great attraction to the tourists. 

Hon'ble Chief Minister, I vividly recollect your skill of management when I was here last November, 37th National Games, spectacular show, well managed, and there was full exhibition of the strength and spirit of our athletes. 

Just imagine, in a country of 1.4 billion, in a state like Goa — very important, but demographically less than two million — gigantic sports were held. I was thrilled by the management, also by the performance. Congratulations to you, and now, today is a special occasion for me. 

For three years as governor of the state of West Bengal, Shantanu Thakur will bear me out. A state that is prone to cyclones, super cyclones. I saw the dedication, performance, and commitment of Coast Guard. I have come here to salute your courage and conviction. I was witness to your unwavering resolve as maritime sentinels. You are doing a wonderful job. When I see this shield, impregnable shield, a shield that fills us with pride. Those who embody the motto and live up to the motto, vindicate the motto, 24X7. “Vayam Rakshamah”, we protect, safeguarding not only our shores, but also national interests. 

Dear Coast Guards, I know your life is not easy. You face daunting challenges in difficult situations. The risks are many but your commitment and dedication to duty ensures in times of crisis there is no mortality on high seas. In West Bengal, we had zero mortality on high seas. And cyclones were very severe thanks to your tribe, your uniform and then recognition sometimes comes late. Sometimes it doesn't come but the love the communities have along the seashore for you is remarkable, I have seen myself. 

You have made a big difference in the lives of people who live alongside our seashores. The nation salutes you. Your institution is growing day by day. Your presence is felt in every rescue mission, in patrol and what a national commitment when you thwart smuggling. This is an organisation continually on the rise, both in strength and prowess ever since former Prime Minister Morarji Desai initiated it. 

Your pledge, “हम रक्षा करते हैं” is being vindicated and is our greatest assurance that over 7,500 kilometres of Indian coastline sleeps peacefully. I am assured our blue frontiers, rich with resources, our trade routes, biodiversity and strategic interests are vigilantly protected by your 24X7 vigilance and efforts. 

Friends, Indian Coast Guard has a critical role in the evolution of our blue economy. Blue economy has huge potential. It will contribute in times to come massively for our economy. It awaits stepping and exploitation. You are the guardians of it. A proud, grateful nation stands with you and imagine when India responded remarkably, effectively, to Pakistan's terrorist misadventure at Pahalgam on April 22. 

You were on high alert alongside our Navy and your brethren in uniform in other services. What a precise targeting. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba bases in Muridke and Bahawalpur sent a global message. A message that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave to the entire world from the heartland of Bihar. Message, terrorism will no longer go unpunished. The punishment was exemplary. A strike was deep in the territory, beyond international border, keeping in mind our ethos to target only terrorists. 

What a satisfaction for everyone, high achievement of SindoorOperation. No one is asking for proof because the terrorist targeted revealed the proof to the entire global fraternity because, coffins were escorted by military force of that country, by political force of that country, and by terrorists. A great achievement, perhaps unrivalled in the annals of democratic functioning. Friends, our Bharattoday rises as both a global economic force and a maritime power, committed to peace, sustainability and development. 

We are already world's fourth largest economy and emerging in Indo-Pacific sector, a leader in our own right. I can't state more than what is felt by Indian Coast Guard. Our oceans matter to us now more than ever before. They really matter to us for economy, for security, for sustaining our trade. This position, distinguished audience, has to be viewed in the perspective of our demographic scale of 1.4 billion. 

Being fourth largest economy is fine, but it has to be seen in the backdrop of our population. And therefore, our aim is to be a Viksit Nation, Viksit Bharat in 2047. This requires eightfold increase in per capita income. This calls for peace on our frontiers. Economic development cannot take place, if we have warlike situations. Peace is fundamental to growth and development. Peace comes from strength, strength in security, strength in economy, strength in development, and deep commitment, unflinching commitment, unqualified commitment to nationalism. 

I have reiterated on a number of occasions, I reiterate here. National security demands unshakeable., Unflinching commitment to nationalism and relentless preparedness. In this arena, Indian Coast Guard plays a critical, multifaceted role. In peacetime, you are our nation's first line of defence on marine front. Deterring threats, preventing smuggling, also infiltration, protecting offshore assets, which are very vital and they are very vulnerable also. These assets include, you are aware, oil platforms, fishery zones, and undersea mineral wealth. 

Each day your job profile is getting larger so is your strength, so is your progress. These resources, oil platforms, fishery zones, undersea mineral wealth, all facets of the economy are absolute national assets, vital for energy, food security, and economic prosperity. Beyond defence, when fishermen face storms or cyclones that batter coastlines, and very frequently in some parts, you bring relief and restore hope. Coastal communities, as I said before, increasingly benefit from your healing touch, your hand-holding, your timely hand-holding, hand-holding at most opportune times. 

The Indian Coast Guard is both a force of steel and strategy, and also conscience. Our oceans are lungs of Mother Earth, regulating climate, supporting housing, life, and supporting biodiversity. When I look at your role, I am absolutely in a mood to admire you as much as I can. You silently watch over Lakshadweep's coral reefs, Sundarban Mangroves. Olive ridley turtles their site where they nestle, and more important also, Marine Mammals migration paths. You balance marine ecology by enforcing laws against illegal fishing, curbing pollution, and keeping away maritime degradation by patrolling against oil spills and toxic discharges. 

You are doing it in a very wholesome manner also. You educate, intervene, and inspire, upholding the vision of a sustainable planet that is integral to our civilisational ethos and essence. हम तो धरती माँ की पूजा करते हैं, पेड़ों की पूजा करते हैं, और हमारे पास धरती माँ के अलावा और कोई स्थान इस ब्रह्मांड में रहने का फिलहाल नहीं है। Therefore, I again salute you for your environmental stewardship. 

Distinguished audience, in rapidly shifting geopolitical realities where global trade, strategic chokepoints, cyber threats, and transnational crimes intersect, enforcing rules-based order at sea is increasingly challenging. It is becoming very important that rules-based order on sea prevails but securing it is no less a challenge. India's maritime security must be resilient, proactive, and future-ready. You are already on that path. Your growing capacities, capabilities, modernisation in surveillance systems, enhanced air-sea coordination, and interoperability are commendable steps forward. 

Now, coming to ports. Mormugao port symbolises that modernisation, standing at the intersection of commerce and command, trade and tranquilly, needs a greater focus in general. I commend this port's leadership for maintaining operational excellence. We had the occasion to see recently. Welcoming global trade and harmonising development with environmental concerns. 

Ladies and gentlemen, the Government of India has a vision. The Secretary is here because he's getting it executed. The Sagar Mala vision seeks to unlock our coastline's full potential and I'm sure this port will be a leading light in that journey like other ports. Our ports are bridges between Bharat and the world. These ports, protected by our coastguards, will confidently march into a maritime century with pride. Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, is spearheading and catalysing a big change in the country. 

All three aspects, which he is dealing along with Shantanu Thakur and with deep commitment of the Secretary, Shipping Ports and Waterways, they were at one time in doldrums. These areas are now areas of activity. I have no doubt, during his distinguished career, and which is remarkable, Shri T K Ramachandran would be having one of the most satisfying moments. When this country is getting new waterways. The first one was in Uttar Pradesh. The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, was so delighted to see all of it. 

Look at the big change that is taking place in our ports. I was delighted to note at one point of time, and that was, you had a port recently, this month May, Prime Minister inaugurated it, number one. Look at the political climate of the country. The partnership is between Government of Kerala and Adani Group and the port is significant for transshipment of containers and you will get another 50% of our requirement. We have to notice these developments. These are amazing developments and it is because the commitment of the Minister is 200%. 

He spoke to me yesterday. He spoke to me this morning. He meets me periodically and I see the big change coming but I will appeal to the Secretary and through him to the Hon’ble Minister, and Shantanu Thakur Ji in particular. 

Let us catch up with shipbuilding, let us be leaders in shipbuilding that is essential. The demands will rise. I think, if I am not mistaken, we carry 95% of our cargo by ship that is 70% in value. The demand will increase because our economy is taking, not a leap, it is taking a quantum jump. We have to be prepared for it. Private investment, national and global, is fundamental to development, particularly in the infrastructure domain. Ports, airports, waterways, shipbuilding, and the likes. 

These are tough areas, investment is needed. I expect everyone to have affirmative stance for such investments. It will hugely serve national interest, if developmental issues, issues of interest in core areas of growth, are kept beyond political prism and partisan interests. Let us not mire them in those controversies. 

I conclude, may the Indian Coast Guard remain ever vigilant, which you will. Ever valiant, which you are. Ever victorious, you have demonstrated, and I am sure, full safety of our blue economy potential. I am sure the Minister and his team, Sarbananda Sonowal Ji and his team, will give our ports a new dimension. In modernisation, in swift handling, what I have seen with Keral, the Secretary knows deep water, and a remarkable instance of federalism. The Prime Minister being present there, the Chief Minister of a different political party being present there, and an important private sector group fructifying it. 

I am grateful for the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Ji, for making available this opportunity to me, to share my thoughts.

 Thank you so much.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

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JK/RC/SN

(Release ID: 2130253)