Prime Minister Modi slammed Pakistan, announced the 'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system and big GST reforms by Diwali, while delivering his address to the nation on the occasion of the nation's 79th Independence Day.
In a stern warning to Pakistan from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi on Friday said India will not differentiate between terrorists and those supporting them and that Indian armed forces will decide on punishment in case of any future misadventure from the neighbouring nation.
Hailing the armed forces on 'Operation Sindoor', Modi said it dealt a severe blow to Pakistan as new details of damages suffered by the country are emerging every day.
The prime minister once again made it clear that India will not tolerate Pakistan's nuclear blackmail.
ALSO READ: India to build 'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system to shield key national sites: PM Modi
"What the Indian armed forces have done during Operation Sindoor was not seen in many many years. We have set a new normal in dealing with cross-border terrorism, he said. I salute our brave soldiers who punished those behind the Pahalgam attack beyond their imagination," Modi said in his 79th Independence Day address.
ALSO READ: Narendra Modi breaks Indira Gandhi's record with 12 consecutive Independence Day speeches
India's push for self-reliance is not just related to trade or foreign currencies, PM Modi said as New Delhi struggles with U.S. President Donald Trump's high tariffs imposed on its goods.
GST reforms by Diwali
PM Modi said the next generation reforms in Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be unveiled by Diwali, which will provide 'substantial' tax relief to common man and benefit small and medium enterprises.
Modi said the time has come to undertake reforms in GST as the indirect tax regime has completed 8 years.
GST, which subsumed a host of taxes and local levies, was rolled out on July 1, 2017.
ALSO READ: Next-gen GST reforms by Diwali, will reduce tax on every day use items: PM Modi
"We have discussed with states and we will usher in next generation GST reforms by Diwali, which will be a Diwali gift for citizens. Tax on items of common man will be reduced substantially. Our MSMEs will benefit hugely. Daily use items will become cheaper, which will also strengthen our economy," Modi said in his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
A Group of Ministers (GoM) comprising state finance ministers is already discussing the rate rationalisation and pruning of slabs in GST.
ALSO READ: PM Modi vows to stand like a wall to protect interests of farmers from any unfriendly policies
'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system
The Prime Minister announced that India will develop the 'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system, a state-of-the-art technological shield to protect all critical national sites, ensuring full security against evolving threats by 2035.
PM Modi said the 'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system will enable targeted and precise action to neutralise threats effectively.
Also Read: Engines of Independence: Why the heart of India’s fighter jets must beat at home
Indus Water Treaty is'unjust'
India and its farmers have the sole right over the country's share of Indus river waters and termed the Indus Water Treaty “unjust and one-sided”, Modi said.
It had caused enormous harm to agriculture in India, he said, adding that the attack in Pahalgam underscored the futility of continuing the agreement.
“India has decided that blood and water cannot flow together,” the prime minister said, accusing the treaty of allowing rivers that rise in India to “irrigate the fields of our enemies, while the soil of my country and the farmers of my country remain thirsty”.
“The waters that belong to India will be used by India, for India's farmers alone and we would no longer tolerate an arrangement that deprived its farmers,” he said.
Modi said India's farmers had suffered “unimaginable losses” for decades under the agreement.
“India has endured this for decades. We will not endure it any further. In the interest of our farmers, in the interest of the nation, this agreement is unacceptable to us,” he asserted.
'Made-in-India semiconductor chips to hit market by year-end'
Modi said that made-in-India semiconductor chips will be available in the market by the end of this year, marking a major milestone in India's technological journey.
"To the youth of the nation and to those around the world who understand India's technological strength, I want to say this: by the end of this very year, 'Made-in-India' chips will be available in the market," the Prime Minister declared, underlining the government's push to make India self-reliant in semiconductor manufacturing.
"We broke free from that burden and took the semiconductor initiative forward in mission mode. Six different units are now being set up on the ground. We've already given the green light to four of them. To the youth of the nation and to those around the world who understand India's technological strength, I want to say this: by the end of this very year, 'Made-in-India' chips will be available in the market."
'India working towards having its own space station'
India is working towards becoming self-reliant in the space sector, Prime Minister said.
"The nation is proud of our space sector, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is back from the space station... in the days to come he will return to India," he stated.
He said India is working on becoming self-reliant in the space sector as well, and is preparing for launch of Gaganyaan.
Gaganyaan is India's flagship human spaceflight programme.
"We will make our own space station," he said.
The prime minister also said reforms brought in in recent times have enabled over 300 start-ups which are working in the space sector.
"Thousands of youth are working on it. This is the power of our youth... This is the confidence we have in our youth," he said.
This was PM Modi’s 12th consecutive Independence Day speech and his second address since being re-elected for a third consecutive term.
The Prime Minister’s speech on Independence Day 2025 is more than a ceremonial address — it sets the tone for the government’s vision, policies, and priorities for the year ahead.
Operation Sindoor received special recognition during this year’s event. Its logo was displayed at Gyanpath, with floral decorations inspired by the mission. The official invitation cards for the Independence Day 2025 ceremony featured both the Operation Sindoor emblem and a watermark of the Chenab Bridge, symbolising the rise of “Naya Bharat.”
The theme “Naya Bharat” reflects India’s determination to strengthen its economy, improve security, empower communities, and promote innovation. It serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a vision for the nation’s future.
Indian economy: A global powerhouse
India is set to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by the end of 2025 (FY 2025-26), according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF). India's real GDP growth averaged 8.8% between fiscal 2022 and 2024, the highest in Asia-Pacific, and is projected to grow at 6.8% annually over the next three years.
A few years ago, India overtook the United Kingdom to become the fifth largest, and is now well on its way to rise to the fourth spot in the list of the top 10 largest economies in the world by overtaking Japan.
Moreover, on Thursday, S&P Global Ratings upgraded India's long-term sovereign credit rating to 'BBB' from 'BBB-', the first upgrade in 18 years, citing strong economic growth, improved monetary policy credibility, and sustained fiscal consolidation.
S&P said it expects the impact of U.S. tariffs on the Indian economy to be manageable due to its limited reliance on trade and the dominance of domestic demand in its economy.
India faces the prospect of a 50% tariff on exports to the U.S. after President Donald Trump doubled the levy citing New Delhi's oil purchases from Russia, which numerous other countries have imposed sanctions on after its invasion of Ukraine.
Operation Sindoor
On the eve of Independence Day, the central government announced gallantry awards for officers of the armed forces, including those who played key roles during Operation Sindoor and subsequent clashes with Pakistan.
India had launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians and for which The Resistance Front (TRF), a front for Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had claimed responsibility.
In coordinated action, the Indian Army carried out targeted strikes, eliminating nine terrorist bases belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Air Force executed precision strikes on four sites inside Pakistan, while five other locations were hit in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Operation Sindoor was a tri-services mission jointly conducted by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, entirely from Indian soil.
In a stern warning to Pakistan from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi on Friday said India will not differentiate between terrorists and those supporting them and that Indian armed forces will decide on punishment in case of any future misadventure from the neighbouring nation.
Hailing the armed forces on 'Operation Sindoor', Modi said it dealt a severe blow to Pakistan as new details of damages suffered by the country are emerging every day.
The prime minister once again made it clear that India will not tolerate Pakistan's nuclear blackmail.
ALSO READ: India to build 'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system to shield key national sites: PM Modi
"What the Indian armed forces have done during Operation Sindoor was not seen in many many years. We have set a new normal in dealing with cross-border terrorism, he said. I salute our brave soldiers who punished those behind the Pahalgam attack beyond their imagination," Modi said in his 79th Independence Day address.
ALSO READ: Narendra Modi breaks Indira Gandhi's record with 12 consecutive Independence Day speeches
India's push for self-reliance is not just related to trade or foreign currencies, PM Modi said as New Delhi struggles with U.S. President Donald Trump's high tariffs imposed on its goods.
GST reforms by Diwali
PM Modi said the next generation reforms in Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be unveiled by Diwali, which will provide 'substantial' tax relief to common man and benefit small and medium enterprises.
Modi said the time has come to undertake reforms in GST as the indirect tax regime has completed 8 years.
GST, which subsumed a host of taxes and local levies, was rolled out on July 1, 2017.
ALSO READ: Next-gen GST reforms by Diwali, will reduce tax on every day use items: PM Modi
"We have discussed with states and we will usher in next generation GST reforms by Diwali, which will be a Diwali gift for citizens. Tax on items of common man will be reduced substantially. Our MSMEs will benefit hugely. Daily use items will become cheaper, which will also strengthen our economy," Modi said in his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
A Group of Ministers (GoM) comprising state finance ministers is already discussing the rate rationalisation and pruning of slabs in GST.
ALSO READ: PM Modi vows to stand like a wall to protect interests of farmers from any unfriendly policies
'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system
The Prime Minister announced that India will develop the 'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system, a state-of-the-art technological shield to protect all critical national sites, ensuring full security against evolving threats by 2035.
PM Modi said the 'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system will enable targeted and precise action to neutralise threats effectively.
Also Read: Engines of Independence: Why the heart of India’s fighter jets must beat at home
Indus Water Treaty is'unjust'
India and its farmers have the sole right over the country's share of Indus river waters and termed the Indus Water Treaty “unjust and one-sided”, Modi said.
It had caused enormous harm to agriculture in India, he said, adding that the attack in Pahalgam underscored the futility of continuing the agreement.
“India has decided that blood and water cannot flow together,” the prime minister said, accusing the treaty of allowing rivers that rise in India to “irrigate the fields of our enemies, while the soil of my country and the farmers of my country remain thirsty”.
“The waters that belong to India will be used by India, for India's farmers alone and we would no longer tolerate an arrangement that deprived its farmers,” he said.
Modi said India's farmers had suffered “unimaginable losses” for decades under the agreement.
“India has endured this for decades. We will not endure it any further. In the interest of our farmers, in the interest of the nation, this agreement is unacceptable to us,” he asserted.
'Made-in-India semiconductor chips to hit market by year-end'
Modi said that made-in-India semiconductor chips will be available in the market by the end of this year, marking a major milestone in India's technological journey.
"To the youth of the nation and to those around the world who understand India's technological strength, I want to say this: by the end of this very year, 'Made-in-India' chips will be available in the market," the Prime Minister declared, underlining the government's push to make India self-reliant in semiconductor manufacturing.
"We broke free from that burden and took the semiconductor initiative forward in mission mode. Six different units are now being set up on the ground. We've already given the green light to four of them. To the youth of the nation and to those around the world who understand India's technological strength, I want to say this: by the end of this very year, 'Made-in-India' chips will be available in the market."
'India working towards having its own space station'
India is working towards becoming self-reliant in the space sector, Prime Minister said.
"The nation is proud of our space sector, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is back from the space station... in the days to come he will return to India," he stated.
He said India is working on becoming self-reliant in the space sector as well, and is preparing for launch of Gaganyaan.
Gaganyaan is India's flagship human spaceflight programme.
"We will make our own space station," he said.
The prime minister also said reforms brought in in recent times have enabled over 300 start-ups which are working in the space sector.
"Thousands of youth are working on it. This is the power of our youth... This is the confidence we have in our youth," he said.
This was PM Modi’s 12th consecutive Independence Day speech and his second address since being re-elected for a third consecutive term.
The Prime Minister’s speech on Independence Day 2025 is more than a ceremonial address — it sets the tone for the government’s vision, policies, and priorities for the year ahead.
Operation Sindoor received special recognition during this year’s event. Its logo was displayed at Gyanpath, with floral decorations inspired by the mission. The official invitation cards for the Independence Day 2025 ceremony featured both the Operation Sindoor emblem and a watermark of the Chenab Bridge, symbolising the rise of “Naya Bharat.”
The theme “Naya Bharat” reflects India’s determination to strengthen its economy, improve security, empower communities, and promote innovation. It serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a vision for the nation’s future.
Indian economy: A global powerhouse
India is set to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by the end of 2025 (FY 2025-26), according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF). India's real GDP growth averaged 8.8% between fiscal 2022 and 2024, the highest in Asia-Pacific, and is projected to grow at 6.8% annually over the next three years.
A few years ago, India overtook the United Kingdom to become the fifth largest, and is now well on its way to rise to the fourth spot in the list of the top 10 largest economies in the world by overtaking Japan.
Moreover, on Thursday, S&P Global Ratings upgraded India's long-term sovereign credit rating to 'BBB' from 'BBB-', the first upgrade in 18 years, citing strong economic growth, improved monetary policy credibility, and sustained fiscal consolidation.
S&P said it expects the impact of U.S. tariffs on the Indian economy to be manageable due to its limited reliance on trade and the dominance of domestic demand in its economy.
India faces the prospect of a 50% tariff on exports to the U.S. after President Donald Trump doubled the levy citing New Delhi's oil purchases from Russia, which numerous other countries have imposed sanctions on after its invasion of Ukraine.
Operation Sindoor
On the eve of Independence Day, the central government announced gallantry awards for officers of the armed forces, including those who played key roles during Operation Sindoor and subsequent clashes with Pakistan.
India had launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians and for which The Resistance Front (TRF), a front for Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had claimed responsibility.
In coordinated action, the Indian Army carried out targeted strikes, eliminating nine terrorist bases belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Air Force executed precision strikes on four sites inside Pakistan, while five other locations were hit in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Operation Sindoor was a tri-services mission jointly conducted by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, entirely from Indian soil.
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