Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said armed Maoist extremism is “breathing its last” in India but warned that those with a “Naxal mentality” are still looking for opportunities to create violence and unrest.

In a sharp warning during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Modi referred to such people as “dimagi Naxals” (intellectual Naxals) and said they need to be “identified and isolated” while the country works to connect young people with the mainstream.

“For four decades, huge areas and people were in their clutches under the fear of guns,” Modi said, referring to the impact of Naxalism and Maoism.

He said more than 3,500 security personnel had died while protecting people from the violence, adding that the number was higher than those who die in wars.

“When we came to power in 2014, we swore to rid the country of Naxals. I am happy Maoist violence is taking its last breath,” Modi said.

While claiming that armed Naxalism had been pushed back from several areas, Modi said the challenge had not entirely disappeared.

“We have succeeded in getting rid of armed Naxals in the jungles, but ‘dimagi Naxals’ (intellectual Naxals) are looking for opportunities to create violence, unrest… They want to drag the society on the wrong path,” he said.

Modi also alleged that people with a Naxal mentality had earlier found space in government committees and served as advisers, influencing policymaking.

“These ‘dimagi Naxals’ have to be identified and isolated, and connect the youth with the mainstream,” he said.

From ‘Fragile Five’ to fastest-growing major economy

Modi also highlighted India's economic transformation over the past 12 years, saying the country had moved from being counted among the world’s “Fragile Five” to becoming the fastest-growing major economy.

He said India had big ambitions after gaining Independence in 1947, but its progress often did not match the pace it aspired to achieve.

“Today, India is moving ahead with unprecedented speed and confidence,” Modi said, adding that the resolve of 140 crore Indians could not be stopped.

He also reiterated the goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, saying India’s ambition to become a developed nation would reshape how the world views the country.

Modi highlights defence, manufacturing and digital growth

Highlighting the achievements of his government over the past 12 years, Modi said defence production had increased four times, electronic manufacturing seven times and modern railway coach production 21 times.

He also said the number of internet users had increased four times, while digital transactions had expanded 100 times.

Modi said India was also moving towards becoming a major player in the semiconductor sector. According to him, three semiconductor plants have already begun production, while another five to eight plants are expected to come up in the coming years.

The prime minister also announced a plan to train one crore young people in artificial intelligence-related skills, placing emerging technologies among the areas of focus for the country.

Earlier in the morning, Modi visited Raj Ghat and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi before heading to the Independence Day celebrations.

He also paid tribute to freedom fighters whose courage and sacrifice brought an end to colonial rule.

With agency inputs