Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 24 -- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday inaugurated the development of the second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, calling it the state's "economic backbone."

Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Karan Adani, MD of Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd, were also present at the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, CM Vijayan said that Kerala has responded to "criticism and mockery" by turning such projects into reality and added that Adani Ports has adopted a "cooperative approach" for the Vizhinjam port.

The Chief Minister said, "Standing on the shores of Vizhinjam, there is only one message we have to give to the world. That message is this: Kerala...