Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, reaffirmed that a self-reliant India—‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’—is the cornerstone for building a developed nation, ‘Viksit Bharat.’ He stressed that true independence means reducing overdependence on others and ensuring autonomy across critical sectors.
In the defence sector, Modi announced the launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a program designed to neutralize threats and strengthen offensive capabilities. Inspired by the mythological weapon of Lord Krishna, the mission aims to develop a dome-like defence shield entirely researched, designed, and manufactured within India. He urged the youth to take the lead in developing indigenous jet engines for fighter aircraft, ensuring that national security rests on homegrown innovation rather than foreign reliance.
Technology featured prominently in his speech, with Modi declaring that India’s first domestically produced semiconductor chips will debut by the end of 2025. He also emphasized advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and deep-tech to secure India’s digital future. Calling for self-reliant digital infrastructure, he encouraged the development of homegrown social media platforms to protect communication and data.
The Prime Minister also celebrated India’s progress in space, highlighting the achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned from a mission aboard the International Space Station and is slated to join the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight. He noted that over 300 startups are actively contributing to India’s expanding space ecosystem.
On energy, Modi announced that India’s clean energy target for 2030—achieving 50% renewable capacity—was met years ahead of schedule. With 10 nuclear reactors operational, he outlined an ambitious plan to increase nuclear power capacity tenfold by 2047, reinforcing India’s path toward energy independence.
Turning to natural resources, he spotlighted the National Critical Minerals Mission and the National Deepwater Exploration Mission, which aim to secure raw materials for industrial growth and defence needs. Over 1,200 sites have already been surveyed to reduce import dependency.
Addressing farmers’ concerns, Modi reiterated his commitment to protecting agriculture from foreign pressure and called for domestic fertilizer production to secure food independence. He urged citizens to adopt the “Vocal for Local” approach with pride, promoting Indian-made goods as symbols of national strength.
Modi concluded his 103-minute speech by positioning Atmanirbhar Bharat not as a slogan but as a national movement—a modern continuation of Gandhi’s Swadeshi vision, driving India toward a resilient and developed future.
