The Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu has said that India never was an aggressor and attacked any country despite being known as Vishwaguru once upon a time and always believed in the philosophy of "Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavantu".Addressing the gathering after releasing a book titled 'India’s Ocean Neighborhood: Narendra Modi’s Strategy Initiatives' written by academician and Chancellor of Central University of Kerala, Prof. S.V. Seshagiri Rao in Hyderabad today, he said that the book was a timely treatise on the multi-dimensional importance of the Indian Ocean region for India, particularly in terms of national security and economic growth.He said the book brought out several initiatives taken by the Indian Government with a long-term vision to protect India’s maritime interests and strengthen the security in the wake of a hegemonic threat to the region.The Vice President lauded the efforts of government under the leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for promoting India’s interest at the global stage and for leveraging diplomacy effectively.
Saying that history tells us that India once had a dominant presence in the Indian Ocean region, Shri Naidu opined that time has come for India to recapture its past glory and assert its role on the world stage.India was now being recognized and respected by the world for its reforms, economic growth and development, he said and referred to the support India was receiving in its bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.The Vice President said that an initiative such as the International Solar Alliance initiated by India brought 121 countries together to work for and efficient exploitation of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and also to promote sustainable development. He said that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declaring 21 June, as International Yoga day was a great recognition given to India and its ancient art form Yoga.Shri Naidu urged the younger generation to read the book written by Prof. Seshagiri Rao to understand the importance of ocean security. Even to pursue the philosophy of ‘Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavanthu’, ocean security was vital, he added.