New Delhi, Aug 15 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a firm warning to Pakistan, stating India will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail and is prepared to deliver a decisive response to adversaries. He emphasized India's new stance of not distinguishing between terrorists and those who support them.
Marking his 12th consecutive Independence Day speech at the Red Fort, Modi reflected on Operation Sindoor as an expression of India's outrage following the Pahalgam terror attack that tragically took many lives, with attackers distinguishing victims by their faith.
The Prime Minister revealed plans for significant GST reforms, suggesting they would substantially reduce tax burdens and benefit small businesses and MSMEs. In celebrating India's 79th Independence Day, he unveiled the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, a Rs 1 lakh crore initiative aimed at youth employment. The scheme promises Rs 15,000 to those making their initial entry into the private sector.
Modi expressed that a nation's ultimate self-respect test lies in its self-reliance, linking 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) with 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India). He highlighted the necessity for self-reliance beyond trade, extending to internal capabilities to bolster India's potential.
He attributed the success of Operation Sindoor to the country's self-reliance, citing India's defense sector advancements over the last decade. Modi vividly described the enemy's surprise at India's innovative weaponry during the operation.
Addressing the Indus Waters Treaty, Modi declared that "blood and water will not flow together," condemning the treaty as one-sided and unfair. Asserting India's agricultural rights over its river waters, he criticized the prolonged harm the agreement inflicted on Indian farmers.
The Prime Minister noted that India would no longer tolerate an arrangement that deprived its farmers and promised to ensure India's rightful water allocation.
Following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, Modi described how the armed forces were empowered to dismantle terror infrastructures deep within enemy territories through Operation Sindoor. The operation dealt a significant blow to Pakistan, revealing new challenges for them.
By addressing the longstanding issue of terrorism, Modi reiterated India's commitment to countering nuclear threats and ensuring national security.
The speech also included Modi's tributes to India's constitutional framers like Rajendra Prasad, BR Ambedkar, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and others, while highlighting the significant contribution of 'nari shakti' (women power). The dismantling of Article 370 was mentioned in the context of consolidating India's unity.
Modi announced the expected market release of India's first indigenous semiconductor chip by year-end and highlighted ongoing and planned developments in the nuclear energy sector.
The Prime Minister concluded his address by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, aligning with the 'Naya Bharat' (New India) theme of this year's celebrations.
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