PM Modi’s Independence Day speech from Red Fort focuses on national resolve, Operation Sindoor and major policy announcements

New Delhi, August 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on Thursday after unfurling the national flag for the twelfth consecutive year. Calling the Independence Day celebrations a festival of “140 crore resolutions,” he said the entire country, from the deserts to the Himalayan peaks, from the seashores to the most crowded cities, was united in the spirit of patriotism.

Modi described the day as one that honours collective achievements and strengthens the bond of unity. He noted that the Constitution continues to act as a guiding light for the nation and said the abrogation of Article 370 was a true tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Several distinguished guests attended the Red Fort ceremony, witnessing a speech that combined strong national security messages with sweeping economic commitments.

Operation Sindoor in Focus

Opening his address, Modi paid homage to the soldiers who carried out “Operation Sindoor,” launched in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Militants had crossed the border, targeted civilians based on their religion, and killed people in front of their families. “The nation was filled with anger,” Modi said, adding that the Indian Army was given full freedom to act.

He stated that the armed forces struck deep inside enemy territory, inflicting severe damage that had left Pakistan reeling. “New details of the destruction are emerging every day,” he said, stressing that India had endured terrorism for decades but would no longer tolerate it.

The Prime Minister emphasised that there would be no distinction between terrorists and those who fund or support them, calling them “equal enemies of humanity.” He declared that nuclear threats would no longer be accepted and that “nuclear blackmail,” which India had faced for years, would be firmly countered. “If such attempts continue, our forces will decide the timing, methods, and targets for retaliation,” he asserted.

Modi reiterated a long-held stance: “Blood and water will not flow together.” He said Indian rivers’ waters would be reserved for Indian farmers rather than flowing into hostile territory.

Economic and Industrial Initiatives

Turning to domestic policy, Modi revived the decades-old ambition of semiconductor manufacturing in India. He said the plan, first proposed over 50 years ago but long stuck in bureaucratic delays, had now been revived. Six semiconductor units have already been built, with four more approved. By the end of this year, he announced, India’s own semiconductor chips – designed, developed, and manufactured domestically – would be available in the market.

In the field of nuclear energy, Modi said India was building ten new reactors and aimed to increase its nuclear power capacity tenfold. He noted that the sector had been opened to private participation, signalling a major shift in policy.

Vision for 2047 and Self-Reliance

Looking ahead to 2047, when India will mark the centenary of independence, Modi outlined his government’s goal of making India a developed nation. He said the country was creating a modern ecosystem across all sectors to ensure self-reliance. Calling on citizens to “be the best” in their respective fields, he urged social influencers and leaders to see this goal not as a political agenda but as a national mission.

He encouraged people to adopt the “Vocal for Local” mantra and prepare for the electric vehicle era, stressing the importance of reducing production costs while increasing quality. Modi also urged young scientists, engineers, and professionals to develop indigenous jet engines for India’s fighter aircraft.

Employment and Tax Reforms

The Prime Minister announced the launch of the Prime Minister Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore. Starting immediately, the scheme will provide ₹15,000 to every young person securing their first job in the private sector. Companies that create more jobs will receive incentives. Modi said the scheme is expected to create employment opportunities for 3.5 crore youth.

In a festive promise, he said that this Diwali would bring a “double celebration” for citizens, as his government would unveil a comprehensive GST reform. This would include a major reduction in tax rates, making the system more favourable to ordinary people.

In his concluding words, Modi blended patriotism with a forward-looking message. He reminded the nation of its resilience in the face of terrorism, its potential in technology and industry, and its unity in diversity. “This is not about one party’s agenda,” he said. “This is about our shared responsibility to make India the best it can be.”

The speech combined security resolve, economic ambition, and social commitment, signalling the government’s priorities for the years leading up to 2047.