On August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the longest Independence Day address in India’s history—a 103-minute speech from the Red Fort—presenting a comprehensive vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. With a strong emphasis on self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), technological innovation, and citizen empowerment, PM Modi detailed strategic reforms and flagship initiatives across defence, economy, agriculture, energy, and space, positioning India as a confident global leader.
Key Announcements & Policy Highlights
1. Strategic Autonomy and Security
- Operation Sindoor: Conducted after the Pahalgam attack using entirely Made-in-India weapons to dismantle Pakistan-based terror networks, sending a message that India will not accept nuclear blackmail.
- Indus Waters Treaty Stand: “Blood and water will not flow together” – signalling India’s intent to safeguard its water resources for domestic use.
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Development of an advanced weapon system to ensure rapid, precise defence responses; a nationwide security shield by 2035.
2. Atmanirbhar Bharat & Technological Self-Reliance
- Made-in-India Semiconductor: First domestic chip to be rolled out in 2025.
- Opening Nuclear Sector to Private Players to boost innovation and energy generation.
- Call to Innovate: Youth urged to design indigenous jet engines, social media platforms, fertilisers, and other critical technologies.
3. Energy & Resource Independence
- National Critical Minerals Mission: Exploration of 1,200 sites for key industrial and defence minerals.
- National Deepwater Exploration Mission: Harnessing offshore energy to cut foreign fuel dependence.
- Clean Energy Milestone: India reached 50% clean energy target in 2025, five years ahead of schedule.
- Nuclear Expansion: Plan to increase nuclear capacity 10-fold by 2047 with 10 reactors under construction.
4. Economic & Governance Reforms
- Next-Generation Economic Reforms Task Force: Overhaul of laws and regulations.
- Removal of 40,000+ compliances and 1,500 outdated laws.
- GST Reform by Diwali 2025: Lower taxes on essentials to benefit MSMEs and local vendors.
5. Employment & Demographic Dividend
- PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: ₹1 lakh crore scheme, ₹15,000 to newly employed youth, targeting 3 crore beneficiaries.
- Focus on converting India’s demographic potential into economic strength.
6. Healthcare & Pharma Leadership
- Push for medicine self-reliance; India to develop its own vaccines and life-saving drugs.
- Encouragement for researchers to secure patents for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
7. Agriculture & Rural Prosperity
- Recognition of farmers as “backbone of India’s prosperity”.
- PM Dhanya Dhanya Krishi Yojana for 100 backward farming districts.
- India ranks #1 in milk, pulses, jute; #2 in rice, wheat, cotton, fruits, vegetables.
- Agricultural exports have crossed ₹4 lakh crore.
8. Space & Innovation Leadership
- Indian Space Station preparations underway.
- Over 300 space startups innovating in satellite technology and deep space missions.
9. National Integrity & Border Security
- High-Powered Demography Mission to address illegal infiltration and protect border livelihoods.
Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
PM Modi’s roadmap envisions,
- Technological dominance in critical sectors
- Complete energy self-reliance
- Globally competitive agriculture
- Citizen-led innovation
- Secure borders and internal stability
A nation that leads the world in science, defence, and humanitarian efforts by the centenary of independence.