PM Modi slams Pakistan in Independence Day speech, lauds Atmanirbharta in war capabilities, energy & critical minerals

Time of India

19 hours ago

Prime Minister Modi slammed Pakistan and lauded India's Atmanirbharta in war capabilities, energy and critical minerals, while delivering his address to the nation on the occasion of the nation's
79th Independence Day
.
Independence Day 2025
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In a stern warning to Pakistan from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi on Friday said India will not differentiate between terrorists and those supporting them and that Indian armed forces will decide on punishment in case of any future misadventure from the neighbouring nation.
Hailing the armed forces on 'Operation Sindoor', Modi said it dealt a severe blow to Pakistan as new details of damages suffered by the country are emerging every day.
The prime minister once again made it clear that India will not tolerate Pakistan's nuclear blackmail.
"What the Indian armed forces have done during Operation Sindoor was not seen in many many years. We have set a new normal in dealing with cross-border terrorism, he said. I salute our brave soldiers who punished those behind the Pahalgam attack beyond their imagination," Modi said in his 79th Independence Day address.
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This is PM Modi's 12th consecutive Independence Day speech and his second address since being re-elected for a third consecutive term.
The Prime Minister's speech on
Independence Day 2025
is more than a ceremonial address — it sets the tone for the government's vision, policies, and priorities for the year ahead.
Operation Sindoor received special recognition during this year's event. Its logo was displayed at Gyanpath, with floral decorations inspired by the mission. The official invitation cards for the Independence Day 2025 ceremony featured both the Operation Sindoor emblem and a watermark of the Chenab Bridge, symbolising the rise of 'Naya Bharat.'
The theme 'Naya Bharat' reflects India's determination to strengthen its economy, improve security, empower communities, and promote innovation. It serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a vision for the nation's future.
Indian economy: A global powerhouse
India is set to become the world's fourth-largest economy by the end of 2025 (FY 2025-26), according to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF). India's real GDP growth averaged 8.8% between fiscal 2022 and 2024, the highest in Asia-Pacific, and is projected to grow at 6.8% annually over the next three years.
A few years ago, India overtook the United Kingdom to become the fifth largest, and is now well on its way to rise to the fourth spot in the list of the top 10 largest economies in the world by overtaking Japan.
Moreover, on Thursday, S&P Global Ratings upgraded India's long-term sovereign credit rating to 'BBB' from 'BBB-', the first upgrade in 18 years, citing strong economic growth, improved monetary policy credibility, and sustained fiscal consolidation.
S&P said it expects the impact of U.S. tariffs on the Indian economy to be manageable due to its limited reliance on trade and the dominance of domestic demand in its economy.
India faces the prospect of a 50% tariff on exports to the U.S. after President Donald Trump doubled the levy citing New Delhi's oil purchases from Russia, which numerous other countries have imposed sanctions on after its invasion of Ukraine.
Operation Sindoor
On the eve of Independence Day, the central government announced gallantry awards for officers of the armed forces, including those who played key roles during Operation Sindoor and subsequent clashes with Pakistan.
India had launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians and for which The Resistance Front (TRF), a front for Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had claimed responsibility.
In coordinated action, the Indian Army carried out targeted strikes, eliminating nine terrorist bases belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Air Force executed precision strikes on four sites inside Pakistan, while five other locations were hit in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Operation Sindoor was a tri-services mission jointly conducted by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, entirely from Indian soil.