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PM Modi launches employment scheme, announces GST reforms and new weapons system in longest Independence Day speech

Statesman News Service

Independence Day 2025 PM Narendra Modi Red Fort Speech: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hoisted the national flag at Red Fort and addressed the nation on the ocassion of 79th Independence Day.

In what was his 12th consecutive address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi hailed the bravery of Operation Sindoor heroes, saying the armed forces had “punished enemies beyond their imagination”.

PM Modi reaffirmed that the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan will remain suspended untill Islamabad ends cross-border terrorism. “Blood and water will not flow together,” Modi reiterated.

He announced Sudarshan Chakra Mission to develop a powerful new weapons system to thwart enemy attacks.

Modi said that ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ will be able to neutralise enemy attacks and also have the capability to strike back.

He also announced new generation GST reforms by Diwali, promising reduced taxes on daily-use items and unveiled the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Scheme for youth.

Under the employement scheme, government will offer Rs 15,000 to first time private sector employees. Modi said that the government aims to create 3.5 crores jobs.

Modi also launched National Deep Water Exploration Mission to look for oil and gas reserves in the sea, a move to make India self-reliant in energy sector.

The PM also said that Made-in-India semiconductor will hit the markets by the end of this year.

Below are the key highlights of PM Modi’s Red Fort Speech on 79th Independence Day:

Modi announces ‘Sudarshan Chakra Mission’

Under the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, India will develop a new powerful sweapons system to thwart enemy attack and strike back.

“We have chosen the path of Lord Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra. India is launching ‘Sudarshan Chakra Mission’… a powerful weapon system that will not only neutralise the enemy’s attack but also strike back,” says Modi.

PM announces task force for next-generation reforms

The PM says that his government has decided to constitute a task force for next-generation reforms.

“This force will work within a set timeframe to align existing laws with the needs of the 21st century and prepare the nation to become ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047,” Modi says.

“Standing like a wall with farmers and fishermen”

Prime Minister Modi says, “Farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen are our top priorities. Any policy that threatens their interests, Modi is standing like a wall against it. India will never compromise when it comes to protecting the interests of our farmers.”

PM Modi announces Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana

Under the scheme, those getting first job in private sector will get Rs 15,000 from government.

“I have good news for the youth of our country. Today, on the 15th of August, we are launching a landmark scheme worth Rs 1 lakh crore, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana. Under this scheme, the government will provide Rs 15,000 as support to individuals who secure their first job in the private sector. This initiative is expected to generate 3.5 crore job opportunities across the nation,” he says.

New GST reforms by Diwali, tax to be reduced on daily-use items

Prime Minister Modi has announced his government will bring new GST reforms by Diwali this year. He also promised GST on daily-use items will be reduced.

He says, “The government will bring Next Generation GST reforms, which will bring down tax burden on the common man. It will be a Diwali gift for you. The new GST reforms will bring down the taxes for daily-use items for all Indians.”

Modi announces National Deep Water Exploration Mission

“We are now also heading towards ‘Samudra Manthan’. Taking this forward, we want to work in Mission Mode to look for the oil and gas reserves in the sea. So, India is about to launch National Deep Water Exploration Mission.”

PM Modi pushes for self-reliance amid US tariff threats

Modi says, “Viksit Bharat ka aadhar bhi hai Aatmanirbhar Bharat… If someone becomes too dependent on others, the very question of freedom starts to fade… Aatmanirbhar is not limited merely to imports, exports, rupees, pounds, or dollars. Its meaning is far broader. Aatmanirbhar is directly connected to our strength.”

He further adds, “We know that we remain dependent on many countries to meet our energy needs. But to build a truly self-reliant India, we must achieve energy independence. In the last 11 years, our solar energy capacity has increased by 30 times. We are constructing new dams, and India is now focusing actively on nuclear energy. We have taken significant steps in this direction, with 10 new nuclear reactors currently operational. By the time India celebrates 100 years of independence, we aim to increase our nuclear energy capacity tenfold.”

“Made in India semiconductor chips to hit markets by the end of this year”

“We are working on semiconductors on Mission Mode…By the end of this year, Made in India semiconductor chips, made by the people in India, will hit the market,” says Modi.

PM also criticised the past government for delaying the semiconductor manufacturing. “When we speak of different aspects of technology, I draw your attention to semiconductors, as an example. I am not at the Red Fort to criticise any government; I do not want to do it. But the youth of the country should know about it. File work on semiconductors began 50-60 years ago in our country. The idea of semiconductor factory came forth 50-60 years ago. You would be surprised to know that the idea of semiconductor was killed in the womb 50-60 years ago. We lost 50-60 years…”

PM reiterates blood and water won’t flow together

“India has now decided, blood and water will not flow together. The people have come to realize that the Indus Waters Treaty is unjust. Water from the Indus River system has been irrigating the lands of the enemy, while our own farmers have suffered,” says Modi.

“Won’t bow down to nuclear blackmail”

In a direct reference to Pakistani Military Chief Asim Munir’s recent nuclear threat, PM Modi says “India will not bow down to nuclear threat.”

He adds, “If the enemy dares to commit any more misadventure, the Indian Armed Forces will give them a befitting reply.”

PM Modi hails Operation Sindoor heroes, says ‘punished enemies beyond their imagination’

PM says, “Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I have the opportunity to salute the brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor….After April 22, we gave full freedom to the forces to choose the planning, target and timing, and our forces did something that never happened for decades… went inside the enemy territory and destroyed terrorist infrastructure.”

“Nature is testing us all,” says PM Modi, pays tributes to those affected by natural calamities 

“In the past few days, we have been facing natural disasters, landslides, cloudbursts, and many other calamities. Our sympathies are with the affected people. State governments and the central government are working together with full strength on rescue operations, relief efforts, and rehabilitation work,” says PM Modi in red fort speech.

“Constitution of India showing us path like a lighthouse”

PM Modi says, “For 75 years, the Constitution of India has been showing us the path like a lighthouse….Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I pay my respectful homage to the makers of the Constitution, who guide the country and give direction to the country.”

Prime Minister begins his address on the 79th Independence Day

Modi begins his 12th consecutive address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day 2025.

He says, “My beloved citizens of India, this festival of independence is a festival of 140 crore resolutions. It is a moment of collective achievements, filled with pride and joy. The nation is continuously strengthening the spirit of unity. Today, 140 crore citizens are immersed in the colours of the Tiranga…”

Mi-17 helicopters shower flower petals, display Operation Sindoor banner

Two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force fly above the Red Fort and shower flower petals. One flies with the Tiranga, the other displays a banner of Operation Sindoor.

PM Modi hoists national flag at Red Fort

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoists the national flag at the Red Fort.

PM arrives at the rampart of the Red Fort

Prime Minister Modi has arrived at the rampart of the Red Fort to lead the nation in celebrating Independence Day. He will hoist the national flag shortly.

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