Delivering his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said Operation Sindoor was a manifestation of the country’s anger over the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which terrorists from across the border carried out a massacre, killing people after asking their religion.
Major Announcements: GST Reform & Jobs Scheme
The Prime Minister promised a “big Diwali gift” in the form of next-generation GST reforms, which he said would drastically reduce taxes, benefiting small industries and MSMEs.
He also announced the ₹1 lakh crore PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, under which first-time employees in the private sector will receive ₹15,000 directly from the government.
Push for Self-Reliance
Modi emphasised that a nation’s greatest test of self-respect is its self-reliance, stating that the foundation of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) lies in Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
“Self-reliance is not limited to exports and imports; it is about our capabilities. Had we not been self-reliant, we could not have executed Operation Sindoor at this level,” he said, highlighting that India’s indigenous defence capabilities had shocked the enemy.
Indus Waters Treaty: ‘One-Sided and Unjust’
Reiterating his position that “blood and water will not flow together”, Modi called the Indus Waters Treaty “one-sided and unjust”, claiming it had caused “enormous harm” to Indian agriculture.
“The waters that belong to India will be used by India, for India’s farmers alone. We will not tolerate an arrangement that deprives our farmers any longer,” he said.
Operation Sindoor: Deep Strikes in Enemy Territory
The Prime Minister revealed that, after the Pahalgam attack, the armed forces were given complete operational freedom.
“Terror headquarters hundreds of kilometres inside enemy territory were destroyed. Pakistan is still having sleepless nights,” he said.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territory and continued for four days until May 10, ending after a mutual understanding to stop military actions.
Constitutional Tributes & Women’s Role
Modi paid tribute to Constitution makers such as Rajendra Prasad, B.R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and S. Radhakrishnan, and lauded the role of nari shakti (women’s power). He also honoured Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, noting his sacrifice for India’s unity and the abolition of Article 370.
Technology & Energy Push
The PM announced that India’s first made-in-India semiconductor chip will hit the market by the end of this year, with six semiconductor units already operational and four more approved.
He also said India is working on 10 new nuclear reactors and plans to increase nuclear energy capacity tenfold.
Earlier in the day, Modi paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. The theme for this year’s celebrations was “Naya Bharat” (New India).
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