'Atmanirbhar for Viksit Bharat': PM Modi underlines 12 key areas for self-reliance in I-Day speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

In his 12th Independence Day speech at the Red Fort on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his call for an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, noting that self-reliance enabled the Armed Forces to respond decisively to Pakistan post Operation Sindoor. The Prime Minister said India will take a significant stride in self-reliance with Made-in-India semiconductors ready by the end of the year followed by plans for India’s very own space station.

“Had we not been self-dependent, Operation Sindoor would not have been possible. We would be worried about ‘who is going to help us’ or ‘who will not help us’… (Operation Sindoor) happened because of Make in India," the Prime Minister said.

“Our enemies had no idea about the capability of ‘Make in India’, which weapons are simple and which are powerful enough to destroy them in a moment. Just think, if we were not self-reliant, would we have been able to carry out Operation Sindoor with such speed?"

Calling for greater self-sufficiency in defence, PM Modi appealed to young scientists, engineers, and professionals to take up the challenge of building indigenous jet engines for India’s fighter jets.

"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," he said.

In a major announcement, PM Modi revealed progress in India's semiconductor mission, stating, "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."

Moreover, he urged citizens to embrace “Made-in-India” products to strengthen the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Speaking on India’s space aspirations, PM Modi praised astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s achievements, noting, “He has returned from the space station and will soon be back in India – and very soon, India will make its own space station.”

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of energy independence. He declared that while the world debates global warming, India had resolved to achieve 50 per cent clean energy by 2030 yet, thanks to the commitment of its people, that goal was met by 2025.

Pointing to the heightened global awareness of critical minerals, PM Modi said their significance is now widely recognised and no longer ignored. He emphasised that India too must achieve self-reliance in this area, citing the launch of the National Critical Mission and ongoing exploration at more than 1,200 locations.

India will harness its deepwater energy resources, strengthening energy self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign fuel imports, said PM Modi. He stressed the urgent need to produce fertilisers domestically to empower farmers and protect national food security.

Reaffirming India’s path to self-reliance, the Prime Minister said slavery left the nation poor and dependent, with this reliance deepening over time.

He called on the youth to develop India’s own social media platforms and digital infrastructure, ensuring communication, data, and technological ecosystems remain secure and independent, reinforcing India’s digital autonomy.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s strength as the “pharmacy of the world” and stressed the urgent need to invest more in research and development. He asked, “Shouldn’t we be the ones providing the best and most affordable medicines for the welfare of humanity?”

Moreover, the Prime Minister announced the launch of “Mission Sudarshan Chakra”, aimed at neutralising enemy defence infiltrations and enhancing India’s offensive capabilities.