Highlights: What Did PM Modi Say in His Independence Day Speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the 12th consecutive year from the iconic ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi, marking India’s 79th Independence Day. His speech combined tributes to the country’s freedom fighters, a call for unity in diversity, and a roadmap for a self-reliant, developed India — or as he termed it, a Viksit Bharat.

The theme for this year’s Independence Day celebrations was “Naya Bharat” — a confident, secure, and progressive India ready to embrace its future. The Prime Minister’s Office described the event as “a platform to commemorate the continuing rise of a prosperous, secure & bold India, and to give renewed power to surge ahead on the path to progress.”

The gathering at the Red Fort reflected this idea — with guests ranging from Panchayat representatives from remote villages, Drone Didi and Lakhpati Didi entrepreneurs, sportspersons, innovators, and national achievers. PM Modi called it a “miniature India” standing before him.

PM Modi Independence Day Speech

PM Modi began his address with warm greetings to the nation:

“Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day. May this day inspire us to keep working even harder to realise the dreams of our freedom fighters and build a Viksit Bharat. Jai Hind.”

He paid homage to the makers of the Indian Constitution and recalled the sacrifices of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, whose 125th birth anniversary is being celebrated this year. Linking his government’s abrogation of Article 370 to Mookerjee’s vision, Modi said, “When we brought the mantra of One Country, One Constitution to life, we paid true tribute to him.”

Self-Reliance as the Foundation of Viksit Bharat

A dominant theme of the speech was self-reliance. PM Modi argued that real independence is incomplete without economic, technological, and strategic independence.

• He called for making Vocal for Local a nationwide mantra, urging citizens to buy only indigenous products.

• Encouraged youth to develop India’s own social media and digital platforms, reducing reliance on foreign tech giants.

• Announced a national push to develop Made-in-India jet engines for fighter aircraft.

“Dependence on others raises questions about a nation’s independence. It is unfortunate when dependence becomes a habit — a dangerous one. Self-reliance is about our capabilities and our strength to stand on our own.”

Agriculture and Food Security

PM Modi positioned India as a global agricultural leader:

• World’s largest producer of milk, pulses, and jute.

• Second-largest producer of rice, wheat, fruits, vegetables, and fish.

• Agricultural exports crossed ₹4 lakh crore this year.

He credited Indian farmers for leading the country toward food self-sufficiency, backed by government schemes and insurance coverage that give them “courage to take risks.”

IDay Economic Reforms & Employment Generation

Reflecting on the past decade, PM Modi described India as “reforming, performing, and transforming”. He listed reforms that opened sectors like FDI, insurance, and higher education to global participation.

A key announcement was the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, under which:

• Young people getting their first job in the private sector will receive ₹15,000 from the government as an incentive.

The Prime Minister also promised a “big Diwali gift” in the form of next-generation GST reforms aimed at simplifying and boosting economic activity.

Energy Independence & Infrastructure Push

The PM set ambitious targets for energy self-reliance:

• Solar power capacity has grown 30 times in 11 years.

• 10 new nuclear reactors are already operational, with a target to increase capacity tenfold by 2047.

• Active investment in hydropower through new dam construction.

He stressed that energy security is crucial for India’s long-term independence, adding that nuclear and solar power will play a vital role in reducing dependence on imports.

Security and Strategic Sovereignty

PM Modi’s speech also touched on national security, particularly the Indus Waters Treaty:

• He questioned why waters from Indian rivers irrigate enemy lands while Indian farmers face shortages.

• Asserted that “blood and water will not flow together”, signalling a tougher stance on water-sharing arrangements.

Citing Operation Sindoor as an example, Modi said India’s Made-in-India defence manufacturing has reached a stage where enemies cannot underestimate its capabilities.

Unity in Diversity

PM Modi highlighted India’s cultural and linguistic richness:

• Granted classical language status to Marathi, Assamese, Bangla, Pali, and Prakrit.

• Recalled the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh as a living example of unity in diversity.

“We celebrate our diversity — it is our heritage, and it binds us together as one nation.”

Acknowledging recent natural calamities like landslides, cloudbursts, and floods, PM Modi assured the nation that both central and state governments are working in full coordination to carry out rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts.

PM Modi ended with an appeal to every citizen, political party, and influencer to unite for the country’s development:

“This is not the agenda of a single party. India is everyone’s. Let us work together to build a prosperous, self-reliant nation by 2047.”

With that, the ceremony concluded with a Guard of Honour inspection, marking yet another Independence Day where the Red Fort became the focal point of India’s aspirations and achievements.