On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 12th consecutive speech from the Red Fort, unveiling a bold vision for Viksit Bharat 2047, GST reforms by Diwali, AI leadership, and a sustainable future.
79th Independence Day Celebrations at the Red Fort
On August 15, 2025, India celebrated its 79th Independence Day with grandeur, patriotism, and cultural pride. At the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi, PM Modi addressed the nation for the 12th consecutive year, presenting a roadmap for economic growth, social harmony, and global influence.
The day began with military honors, cultural performances, and the flag hoisting ceremony at 7:30 a.m., followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. Citizens across the nation tuned in to the live telecast, making it a moment of unity and pride.
Tribute to Armed Forces: Operation Sindoor
PM Modi paid homage to the freedom fighters and highlighted the valor of the armed forces. He specifically praised the success of Operation Sindoor, a high-altitude rescue and counter-terrorism mission on India’s northern frontiers. Emphasizing defense modernization, he reassured that national security remains non-negotiable.
Major Economic Announcement: GST Relief by Diwali 2025
One of the most anticipated moments was the economic agenda. PM Modi declared that by Diwali 2025, the government will implement Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms.
Lower tax rates on essential daily-use items
Simplified GST compliance for small businesses
Support for Make in India and domestic manufacturing
He stressed, “A tax system must be citizen-friendly, not citizen-burdensome.”‘Viksit Bharat 2047’: A Long-Term Vision
PM Modi reiterated the
“Viksit Bharat by 2047” vision—marking 100 years of Indian independence. Key priorities include:
Universal access to quality education & healthcare
Clean energy adoption
Strong industrial & technological base
Inclusive participation from youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators
Digital Self-Reliance and Artificial Intelligence
India aims to become a global AI leader. Modi announced a National AI Mission, with applications in:
Agriculture
Healthcare
Education
Governance
He also stressed cybersecurity readiness against rising threats of digital espionage and misinformation.
Vocal for Local and Cultural Diplomacy
Reaffirming the Vocal for Local campaign, PM Modi urged citizens and influencers to promote Indian-made products. He emphasized using cinema, Yoga, and Ayurveda as cultural exports to strengthen India’s global identity.
Social Harmony and Women Empowerment
The Prime Minister called for unity beyond caste, creed, and region. Highlighting women’s empowerment, he celebrated the rise of female entrepreneurs and announced that every police station will become gender-sensitive.
Green India, Clean India Mission 2026–2030
PM Modi launched the Green India, Clean India mission, focusing on:
Planting 1 billion trees
Restoring wetlands
Transitioning 50% of urban transport to EVs
He reminded the nation, “A developed India cannot exist on a degraded planet.”
Foreign Policy and Global Role
Without naming neighbors like China or Pakistan, Modi emphasized firm yet peaceful borders. He also reiterated India’s role in the Global South, supporting developing nations in climate adaptation and technology transfers.
Reactions to Modi’s Speech
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed it as a visionary roadmap.
Opposition parties criticized it as a mix of recycled promises.
Economists cautiously welcomed the GST relief plan but raised concerns over revenue impacts.
Nationwide Celebrations
Across India, citizens celebrated with parades, cultural events, and flag hoisting ceremonies. Schools performed patriotic plays, offices decorated with tricolors, and Google released a special doodle highlighting India’s achievements in cricket, chess, cinema, and space exploration.
Challenges Ahead
Experts caution that global economic headwinds, political competition, and climate challenges may slow progress toward 2047. The GST reforms will also require consensus between the Centre and States.
Conclusion
The 79th Independence Day was both a celebration of freedom and a political platform to outline India’s future. PM Modi’s speech combined nationalism, economic policy, and cultural pride. Whether India achieves the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047 will depend on how effectively these promises translate into action