He contested against the United Opposition's candidate, Margaret Alva. The elections were conducted on 6 August 2022 and, on the same evening, the votes were counted. Dhankhar emerged victorious by securing 528 votes out of 710 valid votes over opposition candidate Margaret Alva's 182. Trinamool Congress abstained from the election with only two members voting.[3]
On 10 December 2024, the opposition INDIA bloc submitted a notice to move a motion of no confidence against Dhankar.[6] They accused him of indulging in partisanship, alleging that he prevented opposition members from raising issues while allowing BJP members to table issues of their choice.[7] The no-confidence motion was never tabled as the parliamentary session expired in between the 14 day mandatory notice period & the BJP decried the attack, stating that Dhankar was being targeted for his peasant origins & Jat background.[8]
Dhankar, himself a former lawyer, has grown increasingly critical of the independence of the Indian judiciary, especially of the Supreme Court. After the Supreme Court struck down the Modi government's attempts to control judicial appointments, Dhankar criticised the decision in his maiden speech to the Rajya Sabha, stating that the actions of the court amounted to a judicial encroachment over the powers of the legislature, thereby constituting a violation of the principle of the separation of powers.[9] He has also been critical of the basic structure doctrine (that had been invoked in this case, which enshrines judicial independence).[10] In 2025 when the Supreme Court ruled that the actions of the Tamil NaduGovernorR. N. Ravi (who happens to be associated with the BJP) in preventing implementation of bills passed by the Legislative Assembly (where BJP's opponent DMK has the majority since 2021) by first withdrawing assent for three years and then referring them to the President was unconstitutional, and directed the President to act quickly on the matter, Dhankar criticised the ruling, stating that the Supreme Court was breaking its boundaries and was aiming for 'unchecked power' by sidelining the legislative and executive branches of the government and criticised Article 142 of the Constitution of India (which empowered the Supreme Court to pass such directives) as a "nuclear weapon against democracy available to the judiciary 24×7".[11]
Jagdeep Dhankhar's first official foreign visit[12] as vice-president was to Cambodia in November 2022. He represented India at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia and celebrating the 30th anniversary of India-ASEAN relations during the India-ASEAN Friendship Year.
Dhankhar visited London on 5-6 May 2023[14] to attend the Coronation ceremony of King Charles III on behalf of the Government of India. Dhankhar's presence marked the second time that an Indian leader attended the coronation event in the United Kingdom, since Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
On 22 May 2024, Dhankhar visited Iran[15] to attend the official ceremony to pay condolences on the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials who died in a helicopter crash on 19 May 2024.[16]
Other Engagements
Keynote Speaker at Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue
Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered the keynote address at the 2023 edition[17] of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) organised by National Maritime Foundation (NMF) in New Delhi. While delivering the keynote address, he supported a free and peaceful rule-based Indo-Pacific region marked by collaborative security and innovative partnerships. He called for a just and effective global regulatory regime that respects the right over EEZ, for the sustainable and equitable exploitation of marine resources and seabed in high seas. In his address he also underlined “You cannot negotiate peace from a position of weakness; you have to be strong on all fundamentals.”[18]
Launch of INS Mahendragiri, Mumbai
On 1 September 2023, Dhankhar christened the frigate Mahendragiri before it sailed into the waters of the Arabian Sea.[19]
Inauguration of International Maritime Seminar- MILAN 2024, Visakhapatnam
Dhankhar presided over the inauguration of International Maritime Seminar- MILAN 2024 in Visakhapatnam.[20] In his address he cautioned that unilateral actions & disregard for international law can jeopardise the security & stability of the entire region. Referring to the recent challenges to the global rule based order and supply chain disruptions, Vice-president stated that India believes in respecting the boundaries and fostering a rules based maritime order and opined that India's maritime strength will be critical to the aim of Viksit Bharat @2047. “We believe that scrupulous adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is imperative, essential and the only way for the peaceful coexistence and sustainable use of maritime resources.”[21] he further added in his address.
Promotion of Indian Culture
Dhankhar has highlighted the importance of Yoga, describing it as a significant contribution of India to the world.[22] In 2023, he led the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. of Yoga celebrations at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh in 2023.[23]
Referring to India's civilizational history and cultural heritage, Dhankhar underlined that many tourist destinations in the country have a deep connection with Indian history, folk arts and ancient texts. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Dhankhar described India as a “heaven for tourism”[24] and asked Indians to explore domestic tourist destinations first before looking at international travel.
Dhankhar inaugurated the 23rd edition of the Hornbill Festival at Kohima.[25] Praising Nagas for their unique culture and glorious history, Dhankhar said, "I salute tribal culture. I salute tribal energy…. India is a land of culture & Indians are proud of their tribal culture".[26]
At the inauguration of the 36th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Faridabad, he urged everyone to consider locally produced handicraft items when looking for gifts to their friends and relatives.[27]
Dhankhar has advocated for increasing the use of Sanskrit in daily life. Addressing the third convocation of the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati, Dhankhar discussed Sanskrit as a vital part of cultural heritage, describing it as a "cultural anchor" for human civilization. He called for efforts to increase Sanskrit's usage in daily life and emphasised its role in preserving India's cultural heritage.[28]
Dhankhar has also expressed his desire for a balanced approach between the ancient medicinal practices of Ayurveda and Siddha and modern medical sciences.[29]
He reconstituted the panel of Vice-Chairpersons in the 260th session to include 17 women members of the Rajya Sabha when the Rajya Sabha discussed the Nari Shakti Vandan Vidheyak Bill, 2023.[31] This move was a significant step towards ensuring better representation of women in parliamentary proceedings. The women members nominated to the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons included:[32]
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