Governor Highlights Strategic Importance of Himalayan Border Development at USI Delhi,

New Delhi, October 7 – Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), today addressed a special event at the United Service Institution of India (USI), New Delhi. The programme was jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs’ strategic think tank and USI, one of India’s premier defence institutions.Speaking on the theme “Uttarakhand in India’s Strategic Vision: Pathways to Development and Security,” the Governor emphasized that the development of Himalayan border regions is not merely a social or economic necessity, but a national security imperative. He observed that providing basic infrastructure such as roads, schools, and health centres in border villages strengthens India’s strategic security framework.Lt Gen Singh stated that “border area development is itself a form of strategic deterrence.” He underlined that Uttarakhand’s mountainous geography plays a crucial role in national security, environmental balance, and water resources conservation. “Development and security cannot be viewed separately. Strong, self-reliant border areas ensure secure borders,” he remarked.Drawing from his visits to over 30 villages along the India-China-Nepal border, the Governor highlighted the positive transformation in people’s mindset and confidence in these regions. He noted that local entrepreneurship, homestays, handicrafts, organic farming, and women’s self-help groups are revitalizing border communities, leading to a noticeable decline in migration and even reverse migration to these remote villages.Lt Gen Singh stressed that development strategies for a sensitive Himalayan state like Uttarakhand must consider geography, climate, and local culture. He called for solutions suited to Indian and Himalayan contexts and advocated for enhanced cooperation among the armed forces, educational institutions, research centres, and civil administration to achieve sustainable border development.