New Delhi, August 15, 2025 – Addressing the nation on the 79th Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a historic 103-minute speech — the longest ever by any Indian Prime Minister — outlining bold initiatives for India’s growth, security, and self-reliance.
#WATCH | After concluding his address on #IndependenceDay, PM Narendra Modi meets the special guests who are part of the celebrations at Red Fort.
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2025
Video: DD pic.twitter.com/MpiKbFZ4a4
PM Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan, declaring that India will no longer tolerate nuclear threats or terrorism and will respond decisively to any provocation. Referring to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, he said India has set a “new normal” by not differentiating between terrorists and those who shelter them.
Major Announcements and Initiatives
- Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana – A ₹1 lakh crore employment scheme for youth entering the private sector. First-time job seekers will receive ₹15,000 directly from the government.
- Semiconductor Revolution – The first made-in-India chip will launch by the end of 2025, with six units operational and four more approved, marking a milestone in India’s tech self-reliance.
- Next-Gen GST Reforms – Promised as a “Diwali gift” to reduce taxes, especially benefiting MSMEs and small industries.
- Clean Energy Milestone – India has achieved its 50% non-fossil-based electricity capacity target five years ahead of schedule.
- Support for Farmers & Fishermen – PM Modi pledged to safeguard Indian farmers, fishermen, and cattle rearers from harmful policies and unfair trade practices.
- Empowering Women Entrepreneurs – Two crore women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through self-help groups, with their products reaching global markets.
Key Strategic Declarations
- On the Indus Waters Treaty, PM Modi announced India’s resolve that “blood and water will not flow together”, citing decades of harm to Indian agriculture.
- Emphasizing Atmanirbhar Bharat, he said dependence on others undermines sovereignty and vowed to make India a leader in critical minerals, renewable energy, and aerospace technology — including Made-in-India fighter jet engines and a planned Indian space station.
A Call for National Unity
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!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2025
Highlighting the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), PM Modi praised its century-long dedication to nation-building, calling it the “world’s largest NGO.”
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister urged every Indian to work towards building a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant Bharat, inspired by the sacrifices of freedom fighters.