New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, unveiled a host of policy initiatives, laying out an ambitious roadmap — firmly rooted in national security, economic reform, and self-reliance.
Hoisting the national flag, Modi opened his speech by paying tributes to freedom fighters and reaffirming India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047. He called on citizens, particularly the youth, to build a "Samarth Bharat "— a self-reliant and strong India — focusing on inclusive growth.
One of the most significant declarations was the launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a major strategic defence initiative. “We have chosen the path of Lord Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra,” the Prime Minister said. “India is launching ‘Sudarshan Chakra Mission’… a powerful weapon system that will not only neutralise the enemy’s attack but also strike back. All important public spaces like railways and religious sites across the country will be brought under this expanded security shield by 2035.”
While slamming the previous governments of ignoring the potential of semi-conductors while the countries across the world have already reaping its benefits, Modi said steps have now been taken by his government in that direction. Today, six semiconductor units are already on the ground, and four new units have been given the green signal, he added.
India is working towards becoming self-reliant in the space sector, he said. "The nation is proud of our space sector; Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is back from the space station, paving the way for India's own Gaganyan Mission."
The Prime Minister also said reforms unfolding in recent times have enabled over 300 start-ups which are working in the space sector. "Thousands of youth are working on it. This is the power of our youth... This is the confidence we have in our youth," he said.
On the Indus Waters Treaty, PM Modi said it had caused enormous harm to agriculture in India. He said the attack in Pahalgam underscored the futility of continuing the agreement.
Lauding the success of Operation Sindoor, Modi said, “I salute our brave soldiers who punished the masters of terror beyond their imagination.” Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, he added, “After that incident, we gave our armed forces a free hand to respond.”
In a sharp message directed at Pakistan, the Prime Minister stated, “Blood and water cannot flow together,” referring to the status of the Indus Waters Treaty. He further asserted that India would not tolerate nuclear blackmail.
On internal security, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a high-powered demographic mission to address concerns related to infiltration and its demographic impact.
“Infiltrators are snatching the rights of our citizens. The nation will not tolerate this,” he said, adding, “No country in the world should surrender to infiltrators.”
The Prime Minister in a 103-minute Independence Day speech -- his longest as well as the longest by any prime minister in India’s history -- also highlighted his government’s efforts in combating Naxalism, noting the transformation of former “red corridors” into “green corridors” of development.
“Regions earlier known for Naxalism are now producing world-class athletes,” he remarked, celebrating the progress made in these regions.
The Prime Minister also announced Next Generation GST Reforms, to be rolled out by Diwali.
“This will reduce the tax burden on the common man, benefiting small industries and MSMEs,” he said, adding that it will be a Diwali gift to citizens, by lowering prices of daily-use items.
In yet another important initiative focussing on employment generation, Modi also unveiled the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, a Rs 1 lakh crore employment scheme aimed at generating jobs for 3.5 crore youth. Under this scheme, first-time job seekers in the private sector will receive a Rs 15,000 grant from the Centre, along with incentives to companies hiring fresh graduates.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the agricultural sector, Modi said, “Farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen are our top priority. India will never compromise on their welfare.”
Reflecting on the women empowerment, he praised the achievements of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, stating that over two crore women have become economically self-sufficient under the scheme.
Calling self-reliance the foundation of Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister emphasized independence in key sectors — energy, space, and defence.
“Solar panels, raw materials for electric vehicles — everything can be made in India,” he asserted. “With full confidence in our youth, we built our own COVID vaccine, CoWIN portal… We must continue this spirit.”
The PM also celebrated India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
“Every Indian language is a treasure; we must take pride in them all,” he said, urging traders to promote swadeshi products and display boards in Indian languages.
The PM reflected on the sacrifices of freedom fighters and reiterated his call for unity and vigilance.
“Countless people dedicated their lives to break the chains of slavery… 'Gulami' made us dependent. Self-reliance is not just about trade, it is about the strength of our spirit,” he said.
Earlier, Modi paid tributes to the Father of Nation, Mahatama Gandhi at Raj Ghat here.
