New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August, delivered his first Independence Day address since Operation Sindoor, launched after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, lauded the success of the operation and referred to the recent natural disasters in the country. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort after hoisting the national flag to mark the 79th Independence Day, PM Modi unveiled a sweeping set of measures aimed at strengthening national security, boosting employment, reforming taxation and advancing technological self-reliance, while
PM Modi laid out several major initiatives forming part of the government’s roadmap towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Next-Generation GST Reforms by Diwali 2025
Calling it a “double Diwali gift” for citizens, PM Modi announced that next-generation GST reforms will be rolled out by Diwali next year. The plan follows consultations with states and the work of a high-powered committee of state finance ministers on rate rationalisation and slab reduction. PM Modi said the changes would lower GST rates on common-use goods, benefit MSMEs and make daily essentials cheaper. “This Diwali, I am going to make it a double Diwali for you… This will reduce the tax burden across the country,” he said, adding that the move comes eight years after the GST replaced multiple taxes and levies.
Made-in-India Semiconductor Chips by Year-End
Announcing a major push in electronics manufacturing, PM Modi said India’s first domestically produced semiconductor chip will reach the market by the end of 2025. Six semiconductor units are operational, with four more approved. “By the end of this year, made in India, made by the people of India, made in India chips will come to the market,” he said.
Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana
To boost employment, PM Modi launched a Rs 1 lakh crore jobs programme aimed at first-time entrants to the workforce. Under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), the government will provide Rs 15,000 to youth securing their first private sector job, while companies hiring freshers will receive incentives. “My country’s youth, today is 15 August and on this very day, we are launching a scheme worth Rs 1 lakh crore for the youth of our country,” PM Modi said, adding that the initiative is expected to generate around 3.5 crore new jobs by July 2027.
‘Sudarshan Chakra’ Defence System by 2035
In a significant defence modernisation step, PM Modi announced the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, an advanced multi-layered aerial defence system designed to intercept cross-border missile and drone threats, will be operational by 2035. Drawing inspiration from Lord Krishna, he said the system would protect strategic installations, cities and religious sites, and deter hostile actions. “In the next 10 years, by 2035, I want to expand, strengthen and modernise this national security shield,” he stated, citing Operation Sindoor as proof of India’s growing defence capabilities.
Nuclear Energy Expansion and Energy Independence
Highlighting energy security, PM Modi set a target to increase nuclear energy capacity twelvefold by 2047, alongside expanded private participation in the sector. He noted India’s solar capacity has grown thirtyfold in 11 years and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to clean energy. “By the time India celebrates 100 years of independence, we aim to increase our nuclear energy capacity tenfold,” he said, emphasising that reform in the sector is “a continuous process.”
Made-in-India Fighter Jet Engines
Calling on scientists and engineers to take up the challenge of building indigenous jet engines for fighter aircraft, PM Modi compared the effort to India’s achievements in vaccine manufacturing and UPI digital payments. “We should have our jet engines for our own Made in India fighter jets,” he said, framing it as vital for true defence self-reliance.
High-Powered Demography Mission
Addressing national security concerns, Modi announced a High-Powered Demography Mission to counter demographic changes caused by illegal immigration, particularly in border areas. Warning of a “well-thought-out conspiracy” to alter India’s population balance, he said, “These infiltrators are snatching the livelihood of the youth of my country… This will not be tolerated.” The mission will work to safeguard the unity, integrity and rights of Indian citizens.
National Deep Water Exploration Mission
PM Modi announced the launch of the National Deep Water Exploration Mission to tap deep-sea oil, gas and other resources as part of a broader plan to cut energy imports. He linked the initiative to the National Critical Mineral Mission, with over 1,200 exploration sites identified for minerals essential to defence, energy and technology. Modi also underscored India’s achievement of its clean energy target, 50 per cent of total energy, five years ahead of schedule.
Reform Task Force
PM Modi also announced the creation of a high-powered task force to chart next-generation reforms, aligning laws with 21st-century needs to realise the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. “We have decided to constitute a task force for next-generation reforms. This force will work within a set time frame to align existing laws with the needs of the 21st century and prepare the nation to become ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047,” he said. PM Modi highlighted reforms already undertaken in areas such as foreign direct investment, reducing compliance burdens, scrapping outdated laws, simplifying regulatory frameworks and streamlining income tax laws. He said the government’s broader strategy involves building a modern, self-reliant ecosystem across every sector.
