Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday delivered the longest Independence Day address in the nation’s history, speaking for 103 minutes from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Breaking his own record of 98 minutes from last year, Modi used the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day to set out a broad vision spanning national security, economic reforms, social welfare, space exploration, energy independence, and women’s empowerment.
In a combative message to Pakistan, Modi hailed the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. “We have established a new normal — terrorists and those who provide them safe haven will be treated alike,” he said, warning that future misadventures would meet decisive military responses. He announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra to “expand, strengthen, and modernise” India’s security shield, and defended the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it “one-sided and unjust” and vowing that India’s share of river waters would be used solely for its farmers.
On the economic front, the Prime Minister promised next-generation GST reforms by Diwali, pledging substantial tax relief on essential goods and support for small and medium enterprises. He reaffirmed his stance against compromising the interests of farmers, fishermen, and livestock rearers in ongoing trade talks with the United States.
Modi also announced the rollout of the National Sports Policy 2025 to promote sporting talent in remote areas, a tenfold expansion of nuclear energy capacity by 2047, and increased investment in hydropower, solar, and hydrogen projects to reduce dependence on fuel imports.
Highlighting India’s growing ambitions in the space sector, Modi confirmed preparations for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, the creation of a national space station, and the growth of over 300 space start-ups.
Women’s empowerment featured prominently in the address, with the Prime Minister noting that two crore rural women have already become ‘Lakhpati Didis’—earning over one lakh rupees annually—through self-help groups and initiatives like NaMo Drone Didi. He hailed women’s achievements in sectors from defence to entrepreneurship.
On public health, Modi warned that obesity was emerging as a major challenge and urged households to cut cooking oil use by 10 per cent.
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The Prime Minister also expressed condolences to those affected by recent landslides, cloudbursts, and other natural disasters, assuring coordinated state and central government relief efforts.
Modi’s latest address marks his 12th consecutive Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, placing him second only to Jawaharlal Nehru’s 17 in a row.
