New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the 2024 batch of Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) officer trainees at the Vice-President’s Enclave on Saturday, delivering a forthright address that touched on national sovereignty, youth aspirations, cultural pride, and governance, according to multiple news reports.

In a clear assertion of India’s autonomous policy-making, he declared: “Do not be swayed by external narratives. Every decision in this country, as a sovereign nation, is taken by its leadership.” The comment, as reported by multiple news reports, appeared to be a veiled swipe at sections of the opposition, who have invoked former US President Donald Trump’s recent claim that he played a role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

The Vice President referenced Operation Sindoor, India’s military retaliation following the Pahalgam terror attack, saying the mission had been “brought to a temporary conclusion” after delivering a strong message to terror elements in Bahawalpur and Muridke. “Some question why it was halted. We are a nation rooted in peace and non-violence… the land of Buddha, Mahavira, and Gandhi,” he said, as highlighted in several news reports.

Underscoring India’s civilizational ethos and independent diplomatic stance, Dhankhar stated, “There is no power on this planet that can dictate to India how to manage its affairs.” Multiple news reports noted that his remarks come amid ongoing Western criticism of India’s neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and continued oil imports from Russia, despite threats of sanctions.

Shifting focus to domestic development, the Vice President spoke of the country’s remarkable progress over the past decade. “People of my generation never imagined a toilet in every home, a gas connection, internet access, or world-class trains,” he said, emphasising that Viksit Bharat (Developed India) is not a dream, but a work in progress. News outlets reported his emphasis on inclusive infrastructure and rural upliftment.

In a strong critique of the commercialisation of education, he aimed at the spectacle of coaching centre advertising. “This is not Bharat. We cannot allow such commodification. We must return to the ethos of the Gurukul,” he said, according to multiple news reports, encouraging the youth to move beyond narrow goals and pursue holistic growth.