From defence autonomy to economic reforms: Decoding PM Modi's vision for self-reliant India

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 12th consecutive Independence Day address, set out a vision for a secure and self-reliant India, placing Atmanirbhar Bharat at the heart of his Viksit Bharat 2047 agenda. Marking the nation’s 79th Independence Day, with several themes resonating – the strategic resolve of Operation Sindoor, sweeping GST relief, which he termed as “Diwali gift” to the people, mission to check demographic change to hailing RSS’s 100-year journey.

Modi has always used his Independence day speech for larger political messaging and announcement of new far reaching programmes. In his address today, he gave enough indications about the political and ideological intent of his government. And also a strong message for the neighbouring Pakistan, and a nuanced one for Donald Trump-led US.

Here’s a look at the key takeaways from his 103-minute speech – his longest so far.

Operation Sindoor

Modi hailed Operation Sindoor as a milestone in India’s defence autonomy, underscoring that indigenously made weapons and systems now enable the country to act decisively without foreign dependence.

He asserted that India will not tolerate nuclear threats or fall for any blackmail, in a direct message to Pakistan. He hailed the destruction inflicted by the armed forces in Pakistan. This was a direct reply for Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir who had spoken by nuclear threat in the US recently. “India has decided, blood and water will not flow together. The Indus Waters Treaty is unjust as the water was flowing to enemies than helping our farmers,” Modi said.

He urged young innovators to take up the challenge of building jet engines entirely in India, placing defence manufacturing at the centre of strategic sovereignty.

Highlighting the launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, Modi said the initiative would bolster India’s offensive and defensive capabilities, inspired by the mythological weapon of Krishna – in a probable Indian version of ‘Iron Dome’, which will thwart enemy attacks.

Diwali gift

Eight years after it was started, Modi said his government was now going to push for reforms in the GST which will give relief to the people.

The proposed measures are designed to benefit different sections of society, with a particular focus on the common man, women, students, the middle class, and farmers.

The ministry of Finance in separate statement revealed that a proposal for comprehensive GST reforms has already been sent to the Group of Ministers (GoM) set up by the GST Council, focusing on structural changes, rate rationalisation, and ease of living.

Key measures would include correcting inverted duty structures, resolving classification disputes, and ensuring long-term rate stability to support domestic value addition. The Centre has also proposed a simpler two-slab system, with reduced taxes on essential and aspirational goods, made possible by the end of the GST compensation cess. For ease of living, the plan calls for technology-driven registration, pre-filled returns, and faster, automated refunds for exporters and affected sectors.

To address the key issue of employment, PM Modi announced a major employment scheme - PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana - worth Rs 1 lakh crore, under which newly employed youth will receive Rs 15,000 per month.

Message to Trump?

With US president Donald Trump pressing ahead with his 50 per cent tariffs on India to force the country allow entry of cheaper American food items, the government has vowed to protect the Indian farmers. In an apparent counter to Trump’s tariffs, Modi called for domestic production of fertilisers to reduce import reliance and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods. He urged shopkeepers and consumers to show “Swadeshi” pride, and support Indian products as part of the Vocal for Local initiative. The emphasis on “Swadeshi” can also be read as a message to US companies that they may also feel the brunt in India if Trump presses ahead with higher tariffs. RSS frontal organisations have already called for a ban on American products.

‘Checking demography’

In a significant announcement, he also announced a High-Powered Demography Mission to address demographic imbalances in border regions, framing it as a matter of national integrity and security. Now, this is taking forward the work of stemming out illegal immigrants, which NRC (in Assam) or SIR (in Bihar) could attempt. This has been government’s most direct announcement on the subject. Coming ahead of the census exercise which would give a peak into the demography of the border regions, the new mission may kick up political face off.

New India

Modi highlighted the strides the country was making in the field of science, technology, space, and business. Modi revealed that India’s first Made in India semiconductor chip will be rolled out by the end of 2025, a project he said had languished for decades before moving to “mission mode”. He called for leadership in AI, cyber security, and deep-tech to ensure competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.

He celebrated the achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and unveiled plans for India’s own space station. He noted that over 300 start-ups are innovating in satellite and exploration technologies, positioning India as a global leader in space science.

Declaring that India has already met its 2030 clean energy target five years ahead of schedule, Modi announced a major expansion of nuclear power – aiming for a tenfold increase in capacity by the centenary of independence.

He spoke about the National Deepwater Exploration Mission to tap ocean-based energy resources and reaffirmed the National Critical Minerals Mission, which is exploring 1,200 sites to secure key industrial and defence materials.

PM Modi also announced the creation of a dedicated Reform Task Force to drive next-generation reforms. Its mandate: accelerate economic growth, cut red tape, modernise governance, and prepare Bharat for the demands of a $10 trillion economy by 2047.