PM Modi's big message to world on I-Day: ‘Atmanirbhar India foundation of Viksit Bharat’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the day from his X handle

“Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) dominated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech as he addressed the nation for the 12th time on Independence Day.

From made-in-India jets to homegrown vaccines, PM Modi stressed the need to be self-reliant across several areas, stressing that the country should not depend on "others" to meet its domestic needs.

“To be self-reliant, one must stay alert at every moment,’ he said. “Our enemies had no idea about the capability of ‘Made 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?” PM Modi said, recalling India's successes against Pakistan during the military conflict in May.

The Prime Minister said the 21st century is “technology-driven” century. “We are working in mission mode in the semiconductor sector, made-in-India chips will hit markets by end of this year: PM Modi. We have decided to make India self-reliant in energy; taking several initiatives in solar, hydrogen, nuclear sectors,” said PM Modi.

He said India should also work towards building its own fighter jet engines.

He added it is crucial for India to be self-reliant in the energy sector. “We took up this responsibility, and today, in just 11 years, solar energy capacity has increased 30 times. We are also building new dams to expand hydropower so that we can ensure access to clean energy,” the PM said.

He said India's clean energy target has already been achieved in 2025.

The PM also said four units of semiconductor manufacturing have got a green signal from the Centre.

"When we speak of different aspects of technology, I draw your attention to semiconductors, as an example. I am not at the Red Fort to criticise any government; I do not want to do it. But the youth of the country should know about it. File work on semiconductors began 50-60 years ago in our country. The idea of a semiconductor factory came forth 50-60 years ago. You would be surprised to know that the idea of semiconductors was killed in the womb 50-60 years ago. We lost 50-60 years..." he said.

The PM also said India is 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," he said.

He also urged the youth of India to innovate and bring forth their  ideas. "Never let your ideas die. I stand with you and am ready to work as your partner. Come forward, gather courage—I am with you. The government’s rules need to change—tell me how. This nation does not want to stop. 2047 is not far away, every moment is precious, and we do not want to waste a single one," he said.

The signalling comes at a time when India is facing strong pressure from US President Donald Trump over trade and purchase of Russian oil. Trump has raised tariffs on India to 50% and also threatened secondary sanctions.