Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking India’s 79th Independence Day, hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort and addressed the nation in what is believed to be his longest Independence Day speech yet—lasting about 103 minutes. This was his first address from the historic ramparts following Operation Sindoor, India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan in May, conducted in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister made a series of major announcements across economic, technological, employment, and security fronts.
Key Announcements:
- Double Diwali with GST Reforms – Modi announced “next-generation” GST reforms to be rolled out this Diwali, aimed at reducing the tax burden on citizens.
- Made-in-India Semiconductor Chip – The first domestically produced semiconductor chip will hit the market by year-end. Six units are operational, and four more have been approved.
- Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana – A ₹1 trillion employment scheme launched to create nearly 35 million jobs. Under it, first-time private sector employees will receive ₹15,000 from the government, while companies generating more jobs will get incentives.
- Sudarshan Chakra Mission – A 10-year plan to expand, modernise, and fortify India’s national security shield by 2035, inspired by Lord Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra.
- High-Power Demography Mission – A new mission to counter demographic changes caused by infiltration, which Modi warned was threatening livelihoods, security, and land rights in border regions.
Additionally, Modi announced the creation of a Task Force for Next-Generation Reforms to align laws with 21st-century needs and support India’s goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047.