Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked India’s 79th Independence Day with a record-breaking 103-minute speech from the Red Fort, rolling out a mix of economic, defence, and technology announcements. Key measures included new GST reforms, a major push for self-reliance in critical minerals, and the launch of schemes aimed at job creation and women’s empowerment.
GST Overhaul by Diwali
Modi announced “next generation” GST reforms set to roll out before Diwali, promising lower taxes on daily-use goods. He positioned it as a direct relief measure for households, framing it as a festival gift to the nation.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Defence Innovation Drive
The PM unveiled Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a weapons system program designed to neutralise enemy attacks and strike back. The plan includes extending a nationwide security shield to all public places by 2035. Modi linked the initiative to lessons from Operation Sindoor, India’s recent anti-terror operation, stressing that self-reliance in defence had made its success possible.
Push for Critical Mineral Independence
Citing the global race for resources like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, Modi announced expanded exploration at over 1,200 sites. These minerals are key to manufacturing electronic chips, EVs, and renewable energy equipment—sectors he said India must dominate without relying on imports.
Tech and Space Ambitions
The PM called on youth to build homegrown social media platforms and indigenous jet engines for Made-in-India fighter jets. He confirmed India’s goal to build its own space station, highlighting the 300 startups already active in the space sector. Modi noted that India had already met its 2030 clean energy target five years early.
Jobs and Business Climate
The government launched the ₹1 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, offering ₹15,000 to first-time private-sector employees and incentives to companies hiring freshers. Modi also cited the repeal or reform of 280 outdated laws as part of an effort to improve the ease of doing business.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
Two crore women have become “lakhpati didis” through livelihood programs, Modi said, with many attending the Red Fort ceremony. President Droupadi Murmu, in her Independence Day eve address, noted women breaking barriers in defence, sports, and business, crediting the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for making empowerment a reality rather than a slogan.
Innovation as National Strength
Modi reiterated that Aatmanirbhar Bharat is about more than trade, it’s about national capability. From indigenous COVID vaccines to the CoWIN platform, he said India has shown it can deliver world-class solutions in record time. He urged industries to adopt the “Daam kam, dum zyaada” principle, offering affordable yet high-quality products.
