New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an oblique message to US from Red Fort, on Friday declared “India will not compromise’’ on the interests of farmers and emphasized that he stood like a wall for them and livestock keepers protecting their rights and livelihoods against any detrimental policy.
Addressing the nation on India’s 79th Independence Day he said Agriculture remains a cornerstone of India’s development, with India No. 1 in milk, pulses and jute, and No. 2 in rice, wheat, cotton, fruits and vegetables. Agricultural exports have crossed Rs 4 lakh crore, reflecting the nation’s global competitiveness.
Coinciding with Janamashtami (birth of Lord Krishna) the Prime Minister announced ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’ to create a powerful weapon system to thwart any enemy attack and strengthen India’s offensive and deterrent capabilities.
Drawing inspiration from India’s rich cultural and mythological heritage, he said “India is launching Mission Sudarshan Chakra to create a powerful weapon system to thwart any attempt by enemies to attack us.” The initiative is designed to enhance rapid, precise and powerful Defence responses reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy.
“All public places will be covered by an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035,” ensuring comprehensive protection for the nation while showcasing India’s commitment to self-reliant Defence.
Hailing Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India’s strategic autonomy, the Prime Minister said that using Made-in-India weapons, the operation dismantled terror networks and Pakistan-based infrastructure, signaling a new era where India will no longer accept nuclear blackmail or threats on foreign terms.
He reaffirmed that India will no longer compromise on its national interests and the operation underscored the country’s ability to act swiftly and decisively, relying entirely on indigenous technology and Defence platforms.
In his 103 minute speech, his longest, the Prime Minister announced a roadmap for Viksit Bharat by 2047 with sharp focus on self-reliance, innovation and citizen empowerment.
On the issue of the Indus Waters Treaty, he made it unequivocally clear that ‘’blood and water will not flow together. “India has now decided, blood and water will not flow together. The people have realized that the Indus Waters Treaty was unjust. Water from the Indus River system irrigated enemy lands while our farmers suffered.”
The Prime Minister announced formation of a Task Force for Next-Generation Economic Reforms aimed at overhauling laws, rules and procedures that govern economic activity.
He also announced Next-Generation GST reforms by Diwali to reduce taxes on daily essentials, benefiting MSMEs, local vendors and consumers, while simultaneously stimulating economic growth and creating a more efficient, citizen-friendly economy.
Referring to Atmanirbhar Bharat he called for awareness and commitment to becoming self-reliant and said India will roll out its first Made-in-India semiconductor chip by 2025 and is opening the nuclear sector to private players.
He also announced plans to increase India’s nuclear power generation capacity tenfold by 2047, with 10 new nuclear reactors underway, ensuring energy security and sustainable growth.
He said preparations are on for India’s own space station, building on the success of the Gaganyaan mission.
Warning about illegal immigration and infiltration, the Prime Minister stressed the need to protect border areas and citizens’ livelihoods and announced the High-Powered Demography Mission aimed at ensuring India’s unity, integrity, and security, tackling both strategic and social challenges.
Highlighting the steps to secure resources critical for its future, he said that through the National Critical Minerals Mission, India is exploring 1,200 sites to ensure access to minerals essential for energy, industry and Defence. Controlling these minerals strengthens India’s strategic autonomy, keeping its industrial and Defence sectors truly self-reliant.
Complementing this, the National Deepwater Exploration Mission will harness India’s offshore energy resources, reducing dependence on foreign fuel imports and boosting energy self-reliance, marking another step toward a fully independent and powerful India, the Prime Minister said.
