New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked India’s Independence Day with his longest address yet from the Red Fort — a 103-minute speech outlining a bold, self-reliant, and innovation-driven roadmap to transform India into a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
Speaking with a decisive tone, PM Modi positioned self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), technological strength, and citizen empowerment as the three pillars of India’s future. From defence and space to energy, agriculture, and youth employment, the Prime Minister laid out sweeping reforms and new initiatives to secure India’s place as a confident, resilient global leader.
No Compromise on National Security
Referencing Operation Sindoor, conducted after the Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi said the mission — executed entirely with Made-in-India weapons — dismantled terror networks and Pakistan-based infrastructure. He declared that India will “no longer accept nuclear blackmail or foreign-imposed terms” and reiterated his stance on the Indus Waters Treaty:
“Blood and water will not flow together… This treaty was unjust, with our farmers suffering while enemy lands were irrigated.”
Driving Self-Reliance in Technology & Industry
- First Made-in-India semiconductor chip to be rolled out in 2025.
- Nuclear sector opened to private investment.
- Call for indigenous production of jet engines, social media platforms, fertilisers, and other critical technologies.
- National Critical Minerals Mission launched to explore 1,200 sites for minerals vital to energy, industry, and defence.
- National Deepwater Exploration Mission to tap offshore oil and gas reserves, reducing energy import dependence.
Healthcare & Pharma Leadership
Highlighting India’s COVID-19 success with indigenous vaccines and the CoWIN platform, PM Modi urged innovation in medicines and life-saving treatments. He called on researchers and entrepreneurs to secure patents, ensuring India’s position as a global hub for affordable healthcare and medical innovation.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra
A new strategic defence initiative inspired by Indian heritage, designed to create advanced weapons systems and expand a nationwide security shield by 2035. The system will neutralize threats with rapid, precise countermeasures, reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy.
Economic Overhaul & GST Reforms
PM Modi announced a Task Force for Next-Generation Economic Reforms, building on the removal of 40,000 compliances and 1,500 outdated laws.
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Next-Generation GST by Diwali: reduce slabs, cut taxes on essentials, and boost MSMEs.
Youth & Employment
The PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, a ₹1 lakh crore scheme, will give newly employed youth ₹15,000 each, targeting 3 crore beneficiaries and channeling India’s demographic dividend into economic strength.
Energy & Climate Goals
- India reached its 50% clean energy target five years early (2025 instead of 2030).
- Plan to increase nuclear power capacity tenfold by 2047 with 10 new reactors under construction.
- Savings from reduced energy imports to be redirected to farmer welfare.
Space Sector Independence
India is preparing for its own space station and building on the success of Gaganyaan. Over 300 space startups are contributing to satellite and exploration technologies, showcasing India’s growing leadership in the global space economy.
Farmers First
PM Modi vowed never to compromise on farmers’ interests.
- India is No. 1 in milk, pulses, and jute; No. 2 in rice, wheat, cotton, fruits, and vegetables.
- Agricultural exports have crossed ₹4 lakh crore.
- PM Dhanya Dhanya Krishi Yojana launched for 100 backward farming districts.
Demographic & Border Security
A High-Powered Demography Mission will address illegal infiltration and safeguard border regions, preserving India’s unity and integrity.
PM Modi urged every citizen to contribute to nation-building — from choosing Indian-made products to innovating in science and technology — ensuring that by the centenary of Independence in 2047, India stands as a prosperous, powerful, and fully self-reliant Viksit Bharat.
