PM Modi's Independence Day 2025 Speech: GST Cuts, ₹15K Jobs Scheme, Sudarshan Chakra Defence Mission

PM Modi announced ₹1 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana with ₹15,000 incentives for first-time private sector job seekers, introduced next-generation GST reforms to reduce prices of daily-use items by Diwali, launched Mission Sudarshan Chakra to strengthen national defence, and unveiled a demographic mission to tackle illegal infiltration—alongside strong emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, clean energy goals, and critical mineral self-sufficiency.

On the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, delivering the longest-ever Independence Day speech in Indian history—a 103-minute address, surpassing his own previous record of 98 minutes in 2024 and Indira Gandhi’s record for consecutive Red Fort speeches. This was his 12th consecutive Independence Day address, second only to Jawaharlal Nehru’s 17.

Before the address, the Prime Minister paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to the ideals of truth and non-violence.

1. Key Announcements: GST Reforms & Employment Scheme

One of the most significant announcements was the launch of next-generation GST reforms, set to be implemented by Diwali, aimed at reducing the tax burden on daily-use commodities. This move is positioned as a “Diwali gift” to the citizens and will help bring down the cost of essential items.

In a major push towards employment, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana was launched. This ₹1 lakh crore scheme will provide ₹15,000 to first-time job seekers in the private sector, and incentivize companies to hire freshers. It is expected to create employment for approximately 3.5 crore youth across the country.

2. National Security & Defence: Operation Sindoor and Sudarshan Chakra

The Prime Minister praised the armed forces for their role in Operation Sindoor, stating that India gave its military a “free hand” after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, leading to strong retaliation against terrorist forces. Referring to this, he warned that "blood and water cannot flow together," indicating a firm stance on the Indus Waters Treaty.

To bolster national security, he announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, inspired by the legendary weapon of Lord Krishna. This mission aims to develop a powerful indigenous weapons system capable of neutralizing enemy threats and launching counterattacks. By 2035, all public spaces are to be brought under a nationwide security shield.

3. Internal Security: Fight Against Infiltration and Naxalism

Addressing concerns over illegal infiltration, he announced a high-powered demographic mission to tackle what he termed a "premeditated conspiracy" to alter the nation's demography. He warned that infiltrators are taking away employment from youth, targeting women, and encroaching on tribal lands—declaring firmly, “This will not be tolerated.”

He also highlighted the transformation of Naxal-affected regions, stating that areas once known as "red corridors" are now "green corridors of development," and have even begun producing world-class athletes.

4. Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Economic Self-Reliance

The speech emphasized the importance of self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) across sectors—from defence to digital innovation. The Prime Minister underlined the need to become self-sufficient in critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, rare earths, and graphite, essential for electronics, EVs, and solar panels. Over 1,200 exploration campaigns are currently underway to secure these resources.

A big part of India’s budget is still spent on oil imports, he noted, suggesting that funds could instead be diverted to farmers and the poor if India achieves energy self-reliance.

He reiterated the importance of indigenous production of solar panels, raw materials for electric vehicles, and even jet engines for ‘Made in India’ fighter jets. With confidence in Indian youth, he recalled the successful development of COVID-19 vaccines and the CoWIN portal, urging similar efforts across industries.

5. Innovation & Technology: Space, Clean Energy, Social Media

India is steadily moving towards becoming self-reliant in the space sector. The country is working on building its own space station, and today, more than 300 startups are dedicated solely to space innovation. Special mention was made of Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey, symbolizing the nation's space ambitions.

On the clean energy front, India had set a target of achieving 50% clean energy by 2030, but has already met that goal by 2025, well ahead of schedule.

Urging India's youth to develop indigenous social media platforms, the Prime Minister called for technological sovereignty and innovation within the digital realm.

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6. Legal & Structural Reforms

The government has focused on legal modernisation by reforming 280 outdated laws, with an emphasis on improving governance and serving public interest. He called for more visibility and support for Swadeshi (indigenous) products, suggesting that shopkeepers and traders should display them proudly.

7. Farmers, Fitness, and Social Concerns

Stating that farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen are top priorities, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to rural and agricultural development.

He raised concerns about rising obesity, urging citizens to focus more on fitness and healthy living habits.

The importance of diversity and respect for all Indian languages was also highlighted, encouraging citizens to celebrate linguistic and cultural plurality.

8. Reflection on History: 50 Years Since the Emergency

Marking 50 years since the Emergency, he urged the nation—especially the youth—to never forget how democracy was murdered, throttled, and backstabbed during that period. He emphasized the importance of remembering the “sinners” who betrayed the Constitution, so that the value of democracy is never taken for granted again.

9. Vision for the Future: A Developed India by 2047

He called for a united resolve to build a ‘Samarth Bharat’ (strong India)—a vision aligned with the dreams of the freedom fighters. The aim is to become a developed nation by 2047, completing 100 years of Independence.

Summing up the development vision, he coined the phrase:"Daam kam, par dum zyaada"—products should be affordable in price but high in quality.

This Independence Day address not only presented a vision for India’s economic and military strength but also laid out a roadmap for innovation, inclusion, and democratic resilience. With reforms across governance, economy, defence, and society, it was a speech that bridged the nation's proud past with its ambitious future.