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Independence Day 2025 highlights: PM Modi's record-time speech, celebrations across nation
Independence Day 2025: PM Modi addressed the nation on Independence Day from Red Fort. He heaped praise on the armed forces for Operation Sindoor, spoke about ‘aatmanirbharta’, asserting it was not limited to rupee and import/export, and also spoke about the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.
Independence Day 2025 Highlights: The updates to this live blog have ended. Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a nearly two-hour long speech on Friday, his 12th consecutive address on Independence Day from the Red Fort. Marking the 79th Independence Day, the Prime Minister touched upon many subjects throughout his speech, with key areas being Operation Sindoor, India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, a push for becoming more self-reliant or ‘aatmanirbhar’ in all sectors, and India's ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision for 2047, when it completes 100 years of independence....Read More
Without directly naming the United States, he also seemed to respond to President Donald Trump's 50% tariff threat, vowing that he would “stand like wall” and protect the interests of India's farmers. In his self-reliance push, he also said the concept was not just limited to rupee or import and export, and asserted that depending on other countries was a “recipe for disaster”.
Talking about Operation Sindoor, PM Modi asserted that the forces were given full operational freedom after April 22 to decide the plan, timing and target of India's response, saying the forces “punished enemies beyond their imagination”.
Ahead of his address at the Red Fort, PM Modi also extended wishes on Independence Day through a tweet, sharing a vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’. “Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day. May this day inspire us to keep working even harder to realise the dreams of our freedom fighters and build a Viksit Bharat. Jai Hind!” the Prime Minister wrote.
One of his big announcements during the speech was next-generation GST reforms that would come as a “Diwali gift” for the people. He promised that the reforms would significantly reduce India's tax burden, boost the econonmy and make daily-use items cheaper.
Besides, he also announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a powerful weapons system to be developed by India, which he said would not only neutralised attacks from the enemy, but also hit back.
PinnedIndependence Day 2025 highlights: PM Modi delivers record-time speech; celebrations take place across nation
Highlights from the 79th Independence Day as the nation celebrated India's freedom on Friday:
- On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at Red Fort and delivered a record 103-minute speech from the ramparts of the Fort, creating a record for the longest address by any PM in India's history.
- In his speech, the PM made several major announcements for the country. He said that India will launch a mission named 'Sudarshan Chakra' to "expand, strengthen, and modernise" this national security shield.
- PM Modi also announced next-generation reforms of the Goods and Services Tax, promising a Diwali bonanza for citizens.
- He also announced the launch of the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, which aims to create 3.5 crore jobs over the next two years.
- PM Modi's praise for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh during his speech as the world's "largest NGO" drew flak from the opposition.
- However, protests were also seen across some parts of the nation as people were opposing the meat ban imposed by local civic bodies on the occasion of Independence Day and Janmashtami.
