PM Modi Targets INDIA Bloc at Vizhinjam Port Inauguration: Says Tharoor, Vijayan’s Presence Will Cause ‘Sleepless Nights’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a veiled dig at the Opposition’s INDIA bloc during the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, suggesting that the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor at the event would unsettle many within the alliance.

Addressing the gathering, Modi remarked, “I would like to say to the Chief Minister that he is a strong pillar of the INDIA alliance. Shashi Tharoor is also present here, and today’s event will give sleepless nights to many.”

The remark appeared to catch the translator off guard, leading to a fumbled interpretation. Responding with a smile, Modi quipped, “Message chala gaya jahan jana tha”—“The message has reached where it was meant to.”

Vizhinjam Port: A Strategic Maritime Milestone

The Vizhinjam International Seaport, located in Thiruvananthapuram, was officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister on Friday. Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), the ₹8,867 crore facility is India’s first deep-water container transshipment port, positioning the country more prominently on the global maritime map.

Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) basis, the port has a capacity of handling up to 5 million TEUs annually. Since it began limited operations in July last year, the port has already received around 250 container ships.

India’s Maritime Rise

Highlighting India’s growing stature in global shipping, Prime Minister Modi noted that the country now ranks among the top three nations globally in terms of seafarers.

Over the last decade, he said, India’s port capacity has doubled, operational efficiency has improved, and turnaround times have been cut by 30%.

Speaking on the strategic importance of the Vizhinjam port, Modi emphasized its role in reducing dependency on foreign ports for transshipment. “Until now, 75% of India’s transshipment needs were met by foreign ports, causing significant revenue losses. Vizhinjam addresses this gap by accommodating even the largest cargo vessels,” he added.

Plans are also underway to significantly expand the port’s capacity and develop it into a major transshipment hub.