PM’S INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH

PM’S INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), August 15, 2025

Theme: Viksit Bharat by 2047 – Roadmap for a self-reliant, inclusive, and globally competitive India

JOURNEY TO THE 79TH INDEPENDENCE DAY

India’s 79th Independence Day, celebrated on August 15, 2025, marks 78 years of freedom. Over these decades, India has transitioned from a colony to a republic, and from a developing nation to an emerging global power.

Milestones in this journey include :

• Adoption of the Constitution in 1950.
• Green and White Revolutions that ensured food security.
• Liberalization in 1991, opening the economy.
• Technological and digital revolutions in the 21st century.
• Becoming a leader in space technology, pharmaceuticals, and climate action.

Each Independence Day reinforces the memory of past struggles and strengthens the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 79th Independence Day Address

THE ADDRESS

• On August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the longest Independence Day speech in India’s history, lasting 103 minutes.
• The speech was not just ceremonial but served as a visionary policy blueprint for building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

• The Prime Minister outlined a path to transform India into a $10 trillion economy by emphasizing self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta), innovation, and citizen empowerment.
• He declared that India had moved from a state of dependency to one of technological advancement, economic resilience, and strategic autonomy.
• The day was described as a celebration of the “140 crore resolutions” of Indian citizens, representing unity, pride, and national purpose.

CONSTITUTION, UNITY & CULTURAL IDENTITY

• The Prime Minister stated that the Constitution of India has acted as a guiding light and moral compass for 75 years, especially during times of crisis.
• He paid tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, recognizing him as the first national leader to sacrifice his life for constitutional integrity, particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Emphasizing national unity, he said that unity is India’s most powerful mantra, and that the nation must not allow any force to undermine the thread of unity.
• He celebrated India’s cultural and mythological heritage, which he described as a source of inspiration in fields such as defense and governance.
• The government granted classical language status to Marathi, Assamese, Bangla, Pali, and Prakrit, acknowledging their historical, linguistic, and literary significance.
• A major initiative called the Gyan Bharatam Mission was launched to locate, digitize, and preserve handwritten manuscripts and ancient texts using modern technology.
• The successful organization of the Maha Kumbh was highlighted as a powerful example of India’s unity in diversity and organizational excellence.
• The Prime Minister also saluted the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for completing 100 years of service, acknowledging its role in nation-building and promoting social cohesion.

NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENSE SELF-RELIANCE

• For the first time, the Prime Minister publicly acknowledged Operation Sindoor, a recent military operation carried out entirely using indigenous weapons and platforms, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.
• He declared that India’s national security no longer depends on foreign powers, but on self-reliant capabilities.
• He clearly stated that India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail or cross-border terrorism.
• He asserted that the Indian Army will decide on its own terms, at the time and place of its choosing, and will select and destroy targets accordingly.
• A new strategic military initiative named Mission Sudarshan Chakra was announced to enhance offensive and rapid-response capabilities, inspired by Lord Krishna’s divine weapon.
• The mission’s objective is to neutralize enemy infiltrations with precision, speed, and power.
• The Prime Minister called on Indian scientists and youth to undertake the indigenous development of jet engines, and to treat this as a national mission.
• He also announced that by 2035, all public places in India would be covered under a nationwide security shield using homegrown surveillance and defense technologies.

WATER & ENERGY SOVEREIGNTY

• The Prime Minister declared that the Indus Waters Treaty is no longer acceptable to India, as it allows water from the Indus River system to irrigate enemy territories while Indian farmers suffer.
• Quoting, “Blood and water will not flow together,” he signaled a potential review or termination of the treaty to protect India’s national and agricultural interests.
• India has achieved 50% clean energy generation by 2025, achieving the goal five years ahead of the 2030 target.
• This was possible due to a thirtyfold increase in solar energy capacity over the past decade.
• He announced the launch of the National Deepwater Exploration Mission to tap into offshore oil and gas reserves, aiming to reduce dependence on fuel imports.
• Under Mission Green Hydrogen, large-scale investments are being made to make India a global leader in clean fuel technology.
• He further stated that 10 nuclear reactors are already operational and that India aims to increase its nuclear energy capacity tenfold by 2047.
• Importantly, for the first time in India’s history, the private sector will be allowed to participate in nuclear energy projects, paving the way for technological advancement and investment.
• The Prime Minister assured that the money saved from reduced fuel imports would be redirected to farmer welfare and national development.

ECONOMIC REFORMS & SELF RELIANCE

• The government will form a Task Force for Next-Generation Reforms to review all existing laws, rules, and procedures related to economic activities.
• The key goals of this task force include:
  • Reducing compliance costs for startups, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs.
  • Eliminating the fear of arbitrary legal actions.
  • Streamlining laws to improve ease of doing business.
• The Prime Minister announced that Next-Generation GST Reforms would be launched by Diwali 2025, including a reduction in taxes on essential goods, benefiting consumers, local vendors, and small businesses.
• The income tax exemption limit was raised to ₹12 lakh, providing significant relief to the middle class and promoting formal economic participation.
• The National Manufacturing Mission will be accelerated, with a focus on Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) production standards to ensure quality manufacturing with minimal environmental impact.
• Citizens and shopkeepers are encouraged to actively promote Indian-made goods under the “Vocal for Local” initiative.
• Displaying Swadeshi boards in shops is encouraged to foster economic patriotism and pride.
• He emphasized that self-reliance is not just about trade, but also about national capability, dignity, and independence.

AGRICULTURE & FARMER WELFARE

• The Prime Minister described farmers as the backbone of India’s journey from dependency to self-reliance
• He stated that he has “stood as a wall” to protect farmers and livestock keepers from harmful domestic or global policies.
• India recorded historic grain production in the past year, ensuring national food security.
• The new PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana was launched for 100 backward farming districts, offering integrated support in areas such as irrigation, seed supply, fertilizers, and market access.
• Existing schemes such as PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, rainwater harvesting, andtimely fertilizer supply have increased farmer confidence and productivity.
• India currently ranks:
  • #1 in milk, pulses, and jute production.
  • #2 in rice, wheat, cotton, fruits, and vegetables.
• Agricultural exports have crossed ₹4 lakh crore, indicating global competitiveness.
• The Prime Minister highlighted the urgent need to produce fertilizers and key agri-inputs domestically to strengthen food sovereignty and reduce dependency on imports.

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

• The Prime Minister stated that India’s early semiconductor efforts were “killed at birth”, but the country is now operating in mission mode.
• The first Made-in-India semiconductor chips are expected to launch by the end of 2025.
• He urged youth and researchers to build India’s own operating systems, AI models, cybersecurity tools, and social media platforms to ensure digital sovereignty.
• He highlighted CoWIN as a successful example of India’s ability to build world-class Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
• More than 300 space startups are actively working in the areas of satellites, space exploration, and deep-tech innovation.
• He honored Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a national hero, and confirmed that Gaganyaan, India’s first indigenous manned space mission, is progressing rapidly.
• India also aims to establish its own space station in the coming years, underscoring its space ambitions.

SOCIAL JUSTICE, SECURITY & INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

• Over the last decade, 25 crore people have risen out of poverty, forming a new “neo-middle class”.
• This transformation has been driven largely by Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) systems that promote efficiency and transparency in welfare delivery.
• A High-Powered Demography Mission will be launched to address illegal migration and demographic imbalances in border districts.
• The Red Corridor, once consisting of 125 Maoist-affected districts, has now been reduced to just 20 districts.
• Regions once known for conflict are now emerging as corridors of green development and constitutional governance.
• He noted that tribal youth from Bastar are now representing India in the Olympics, showcasing successful integration and opportunity.
• On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the government reaffirmed its commitment to tribal empowerment and the eradication of Naxalism.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

• Self-help groups (SHGs) led by women have achieved global success, with many of their products reaching international markets.
• Indian women are now leading in startups, the armed forces, space missions, and sports.
• The Namo Drone Didi initiative has empowered rural women to use drones in agriculture, improving productivity.
• The government aims to create three crore “Lakhpati Didis”, meaning women entrepreneurs who earn over ₹1 lakh annually.
• The PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, worth ₹1 lakh crore, was launched to provide ₹15,000 financial support per newly employed youth.
• The program aims to benefit 3 crore young Indians.
• Youth were encouraged to lead in emerging sectors such as AI, semiconductors, defense technologies, and digital platforms.

LEGAL & GOVERNANCE REFORMS

• The government has abolished over 1,500 outdated laws and removed more than 40,000 unnecessary compliances in the past few years.
• In the latest parliamentary session, over 280 legal provisions were scrapped to simplify and modernize governance.
• The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), promoting citizen trust, transparency, and national values.
• Faceless tax assessments and transparent income tax reforms have improved ease of compliance and reduced corruption.

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

• The Prime Minister declared that obesity is a national health crisis, urging every family to reduce cooking oil consumption by 10% to prevent lifestyle-related diseases.
• India will further strengthen its role as the “Pharmacy of the World” by promoting domestic research and development in drugs, vaccines, and medical technology.
• He emphasized the urgent need to develop life-saving medicines entirely within India to ensure affordability and accessibility.

KEY QUOTES

• “Blood and water will not flow together.” – On reviewing the Indus Waters Treaty and asserting national interests.
• “We will not allow even a single particle of slavery to remain in our lives, systems, or laws.” – On decolonizing institutions and mindsets.
• “I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you.” – PM’s commitment to the youth and innovators.
• “Viksit Bharat by 2047” – The defining national vision for development.

CONCLUSION: A CALL TO THE NATION

The Prime Minister’s 79th Independence Day speech was a comprehensive development blueprint, emphasizing a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

It focused on building a self-reliant, secure, inclusive, and innovative India, underpinned by constitutional values and cultural pride.

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