Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Friday, outlined his government’s vision for a self-reliant and developed India by 2047. Speaking on the 79th anniversary of India’s independence, he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, saluted the armed forces, and called for collective efforts towards building a stronger nation.

Modi reiterated India’s firm stance on national security, stating that the country would not tolerate nuclear threats or terrorism. Referring to the Pahalgam attack earlier this year, he said the armed forces were given full freedom to act, highlighting the success of “Operation Sindoor” and asserting that “blood and water will not flow together” in reference to the Indus Waters Treaty. He questioned the fairness of the agreement, noting that it had deprived Indian farmers for decades while benefiting Pakistan.

On economic and technological fronts, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of self-reliance, from agriculture to defence manufacturing. He announced that Made-in-India semiconductor chips would be available by the end of this year and set a goal to increase India’s nuclear energy capacity tenfold by the centenary of independence. Modi also urged the development of indigenous jet engines and greater investment in pharmaceutical research.

Highlighting recent achievements in space exploration, he praised Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla’s return from the Space Station and reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Gaganyaan mission and the creation of a national space station.

The Prime Minister announced a Diwali “gift” in the form of next-generation GST reforms aimed at reducing taxes on essential services and boosting small businesses. He also launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, a ₹1 lakh crore scheme to create 3.5 crore private-sector jobs, offering ₹15,000 support for first-time employees.

Closing his address, Modi urged citizens to adopt the mantra of “Daam kam, dum zyada” (lower cost, higher value) and remain “vocal for local” to strengthen India’s position in global markets. He called on the youth to take responsibility for shaping a prosperous and strong India, just as the freedom fighters once fought for its independence.

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