79th Independence Day: PM Modi Speech Charts India’s Future
PM Modi’s 79th Independence Day Speech Pitches Self-Reliance, Security, and Global Leadership
In a historic moment at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 12th consecutive Independence Day address, marking India’s 79th Independence Day with a record-breaking 103-minute speech — the longest ever by any Indian Prime Minister. The PM Modi 79th Independence Day speech combined a vision for a self-reliant, secure, and prosperous India with a series of game-changing announcements.
79th Independence Day: A Speech That Made History
By surpassing his own record of 98 minutes set last year, PM Modi also broke Indira Gandhi’s milestone for the most consecutive Red Fort addresses by a prime minister, second only to Jawaharlal Nehru’s 17. The speech touched on national security, economic reforms, job creation, and India’s path towards becoming a developed nation — Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Key Announcements in PM Modi’s 79th Independence Day Speech
1. GST Reforms by October 2025
The Prime Minister unveiled a next-generation GST overhaul set to simplify tax slabs, lower rates on essential goods, and boost small businesses. He called it a “Diwali gift” that would ease the tax burden and make daily-use items more affordable.
2. ₹1-Lakh-Crore Youth Employment Scheme
The newly launched Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana aims to create 3.5 crore jobs over the next two years, offering a one-time incentive of ₹15,000 to first-time private-sector employees.
3. Mission Sudarshan Chakra
A decade-long national security initiative to protect strategic, civilian, and religious sites using indigenous defence technology, with a completion target of 2035. The PM said the system would “neutralise threats and strike back with precision.”
4. Indigenous Semiconductor Production
Domestically manufactured semiconductor chips will hit the market by the end of 2025, a major step towards reducing reliance on imports and strengthening India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
5. Operation Sindoor Recognition
PM Modi lauded the armed forces for their decisive response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, saying they were given “full operational freedom” and “punished enemies beyond their imagination.”
6. Review of the Indus Water Treaty
In a significant geopolitical move, the government will reassess the treaty to protect India’s agricultural and water security interests.
7. Clean Energy Target Achieved Early
India has already met its 2030 target of generating 50% of electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, years ahead of schedule.
79th Independence Day: Economic Vision and Self-Reliance Push
Without directly naming the United States, PM Modi responded to President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff threat, vowing to protect Indian farmers “like a wall.” He stressed that self-reliance is not just about the rupee or trade balance, but about safeguarding India’s sovereignty and economic resilience, warning that overdependence on foreign nations was a “recipe for disaster.”
A Historic Independence Day Message
Ahead of his speech, the Prime Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“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!”
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