New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech on Friday, said the next generation reforms in Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be unveiled by Diwali, which will provide 'substantial' tax relief to common man and benefit small and medium enterprises.

"We have discussed with states and we will usher in next generation GST reforms by Diwali, which will be a Diwali gift for citizens. Tax on items of common man will be reduced substantially. Our MSMEs will benefit hugely. Daily use items will become cheaper, which will also strengthen our economy," Modi said

Saluting the heroes of Operation Sindoor

Modi also saluted the heroes of Operation Sindoor, praising the bravery of Indian forces for punishing the enemy beyond its imagination. He also described the 79th Independence Day as a “festival of hope and aspirations” during his speech from the Red Fort.

Modi expressed pride in honouring the heroes of Operation Sindoor during his Independence Day speech. He said, “I am very proud that from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I am getting the opportunity to salute the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Our brave jawans punished the enemy beyond its imagination.”

Recalling the Pahalgam attack, he said, “On April 22, terrorists from across the border came to Pahalgam and killed people after asking their religion. Entire India was outraged, and the entire world was shocked by such a massacre. Operation Sindoor is the expression of that outrage.”

Unprecedented military response

Highlighting the response to the attack, the Prime Minister added, “After April 22, we gave a free hand to our armed forces. They decide the strategy, target and time. Our Forces did what had never been done for several decades. We entered hundreds of kilometres into the enemy soil and razed their terrorist HQ to the ground.”

On the impact of the operation, he remarked, “Destruction in Pakistan is so massive that new revelations are being made every day and new information is coming out daily.”

Push for indigenous defence manufacturing

Modi called for boosting indigenous defence manufacturing, stating, “Today, I urge the young scientists, talented youth, engineers, professionals and all departments of the Government that we should have our jet engines for our own Made in India fighter jets.”

Independence day as a festival of unity

Modi hailed Independence Day as a celebration of unity and collective resolve, saying, “My beloved citizens of India, this festival of independence is a festival of 140 crore resolutions. It is a moment of collective achievements, filled with pride and joy. The nation is continuously strengthening the spirit of unity. Today, 140 crore citizens are immersed in the colours of the Tiranga”. 

India's own space station

Modi also said that India is working on becoming self-reliant in the space sector as well, and is preparing for launch of Gaganyaan. Gaganyaan is India's flagship human spaceflight programme. 

Modi said, “In space, we are preparing for Gaganyaan, as aatmanirbhar Bharat. We are also working towards building our own Space Station. I am proud that more than 300 startups of the country are working just in space sector.”

Plans for National Deep Water Exploration Mission

Modi announced plans for a major offshore energy initiative, stating, “We are now also heading towards 'Samudra Manthan'. Taking this forward, we want to work in Mission Mode to look for the oil and gas reserves in the sea. So, India is about to launch National Deep Water Exploration Mission.”

First made-in-India semiconductor chip

Modi said that first made-in-India semiconductor chip will be launched in the market by the end of this year. 

Modi said, “We are working on semiconductors on Mission Mode. By the end of this year, Made in India semiconductor chips, made by the people in India, will hit the market.”

Indus water treaty

Modi remarked that India and its farmers have the sole right over the country's share of Indus river waters and termed the Indus Water Treaty “unjust and one-sided”.

Modi said, “The people of our country have clearly understood how unjust and one-sided the Indus agreement is. The waters of rivers originating in India have been irrigating the fields of our enemies, while the farmers and the land of my own country remain thirsty without water”.

Remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters

Modi reflected on the sacrifices made for India’s freedom, saying, “Countless people sacrificed their lives for Independence, spent their entire youth in prisons, and dedicated their lives to breaking the chains of slavery.”

Highlighting the hardships under colonial rule and the contributions of farmers, he added, “'Gulami ne humey nirdhan bana diya, gulami ne humey nirbhar bhi bana diya. Mere desh ke kisano ne khoon paseena ek kar ke desh ke ann ke bhandaar bhar diye'”.

Tribute to constitution makers and Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee

Modi paid homage to the makers of the Constitution during his Independence Day address, highlighting the legacy of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee. He said, “Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I pay my respectful homage to the makers of the Constitution, who guide the country and give direction to the country. Today we are also celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee. Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was the first great man of the country to sacrifice for the Constitution of India. Sacrifice for the Constitution. When we brought the mantra of one country, one constitution to life by demolishing the wall of Article 370, we paid true tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee.”

Glimpse of India’s diversity at the Red Fort

He acknowledged the presence of diverse guests at the Red Fort, calling it a representation of the entire country. “Many special dignitaries are present at the Red Fort today. There are members of Panchayats from far-flung villages, representatives of Drone Didi, representatives of Lakhpati Didi, people from the world of sports, great people who have given something or the other to the nation and life are present here. In a way, I am seeing a miniature India here in front of my eyes.”

The Prime Minister also spoke about the role of technology in connecting the nation on this day. “Today, the Red Fort is also connected with India through technology.”

Addressing natural calamities and relief efforts

Modi expressed concern over the recent spate of natural calamities and praised ongoing relief efforts, saying, “In the past few days, we have been facing natural disasters, landslides, cloudbursts, and many other calamities. Our sympathies are with the affected people. State governments and the central government are working together with full strength on rescue operations, relief efforts, and rehabilitation work.”

Call for a Viksit Bharat

Extending his warm wishes to the country, he urged citizens to work with dedication, fulfil the dreams of the freedom fighters, and contribute to building a Viksit Bharat (developed India).

PM Modi in a post on X (formerly Twitter) said, "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!"

To mark the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi hoisted the national flag and delivered his 12th consecutive address to the nation from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort.