New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his longest and most decisive Independence Day address from the Red Fort today, setting out an ambitious blueprint for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. Speaking for 103 minutes, the Prime Minister called for self-reliance, innovation, and citizen empowerment as the guiding principles of India’s journey towards becoming a $10 trillion economy.
Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
PM Modi underscored that India’s transformation rests on strategic autonomy and home-grown innovation across sectors, from defence and semiconductors to agriculture and clean energy. He called for a modern ecosystem that empowers citizens and entrepreneurs while reducing dependence on imports, noting, “Dependence on others raises questions about a nation’s independence. Self-reliance is not just about exports and imports; it is about our capabilities, our strength to stand on our own.”
He stressed that India’s youth must be at the forefront of this transformation, urging them to bring forward innovative ideas that could shape generations to come.
Key Announcements and Reforms
Defence & Security:
Operation Sindoor was hailed as a milestone in defence self-reliance, with indigenous weapons dismantling terror networks. He announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at enhancing offensive and deterrent capabilities, and pledged that by 2035 all public spaces would be under a nationwide security shield.
Economy & Taxation:
Next-generation GST reforms will be rolled out by Diwali, reducing taxes on essential goods. Income up to ₹12 lakh will be tax-exempt, providing major relief to middle-class families. Modi also announced a ₹1 lakh crore Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, offering direct employment incentives to three crore youth.
Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare:
Declaring farmers as the backbone of the nation, Modi reaffirmed that India would not compromise on their interests. He highlighted record foodgrain production and agricultural exports crossing ₹4 lakh crore. The PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana will be extended to 100 backward farming districts.
Energy Independence:
India has already achieved its clean energy target of 50% by 2025—five years ahead of schedule. The launch of the National Deepwater Exploration Mission and Mission Green Hydrogen will further cut reliance on fuel imports.
Technology & Innovation:
India will release its first Made-in-India semiconductor chips by the end of 2025. Modi called for indigenous development of jet engines and medical technologies, pushing India as a global hub for pharmaceuticals, AI, and space innovation.
Social Reforms:
Over 25 crore people have escaped poverty in the past decade, creating a “neo-middle class”. Women’s empowerment was highlighted through initiatives such as Namo Drone Didi and the pledge to make three crore women “Lakhpati Didis”.
Law & Governance:
More than 40,000 compliances and 1,500 outdated laws have been scrapped. The colonial-era Penal Code has been replaced with Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, signalling a shift towards citizen-centric governance.
Call for Unity and Heritage Pride
The Prime Minister emphasised that national unity and cultural heritage would remain at the heart of India’s rise. He recalled the sacrifices of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, celebrated the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Sikh Guru, and reaffirmed pride in India’s classical languages and knowledge traditions.
“We will neither stop nor bow down. We will not rest until we are free from all forms of slavery. Every Indian must contribute, whether by buying India-made goods or driving innovation, to ensure a prosperous and powerful Bharat by 2047,” Modi declared.