Published: August 15, 2025 | The Hindu Bureau
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the historic Red Fort today, unveiling a series of major economic, security, and development-oriented initiatives. Speaking for 103 minutes — the longest Independence Day speech in India’s history — Mr. Modi detailed reforms and schemes aimed at boosting employment, strengthening security, modernizing technology, and achieving sustainability targets ahead of schedule.
This year’s address, delivered on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, combined economic roadmaps, strategic policy announcements, and heartfelt tributes to the armed forces.
Key Announcements from PM Modi’s 79th Independence Day Speech
1. GST Reforms to be Rolled Out by October 2025
The Prime Minister announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will undergo significant restructuring before the end of this year. The reforms will focus on:
- Reducing rates on essential goods to ease the burden on households.
- Streamlining GST slabs to simplify compliance for small and medium businesses.
Mr. Modi emphasized that these changes are aimed at making India’s tax system more people-friendly and business-friendly.
2. ₹1-Lakh-Crore Youth Employment Scheme
In a major push to tackle youth unemployment, Mr. Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, a ₹1-lakh-crore programme targeting first-time job seekers in the private sector.
- Beneficiaries will receive a one-time incentive of ₹15,000.
- The scheme aims to reach 3.5 crore young Indians.
The Prime Minister called it a “direct investment in India’s human capital” and a move to energize the job market.
3. Indigenous Semiconductor Chips by Year-End
Highlighting India’s ambition to become self-reliant in high-tech manufacturing, PM Modi announced that indigenously produced semiconductor chips will hit the market before the close of 2025.
This milestone will:
- Reduce dependence on foreign imports.
- Support domestic electronics manufacturing.
- Position India as a global hub for semiconductor innovation.
4. Mission Sudarshan Chakra – National Security Overhaul
To safeguard strategic, public, and religious sites, the government will implement Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a decade-long security programme leveraging indigenous technologies.
- Completion target: 2035.
- Objective: Enhance civilian safety and protect critical infrastructure.
5. Review of the Indus Water Treaty
Signalling a more assertive stance on water rights, Mr. Modi revealed that India will review the Indus Water Treaty to ensure its agricultural interests are not compromised.
The review will focus on ensuring equitable use of shared resources while safeguarding India’s long-term water security.
6. Clean Energy Target Achieved Ahead of Time
In a major environmental milestone, India has met its 2030 target of generating 50% of its electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources — five years early.
The Prime Minister credited this achievement to public participation, investment in renewable energy, and government policy alignment.
7. Recognition of Armed Forces’ Success
PM Modi praised the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting their role in neutralizing threats and maintaining national security.
Historic Milestones in PM Modi’s Speech
- Longest Independence Day speech ever at 103 minutes, breaking his own record of 98 minutes in 2024.
- 12 consecutive Red Fort addresses, surpassing Indira Gandhi’s record and standing second only to Jawaharlal Nehru’s 17-year streak.
“This is not just the celebration of our freedom,” the Prime Minister concluded, “but the reaffirmation of our commitment to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Bharat.”
