79th Independence Day 2025 Celebrations, speech Highlights: ‘GST reforms to be announced by Diwali’ – PM Modi’s ‘mega’ announcement

FBI Director Kash Patel extended Independence Day greetings to India on Friday — responding to an X update from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Visuals shared online showed President Droupadi Murmu paying homage to martyrs at the National War Memorial in Delhi on Independence Day.

Students and teachers at an educational institute in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir hoist the Tricolour and celebrate Independence Day.

Russian Embassy in India says – Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day.

“India has achieved widely recognised success in socio-economic, scientific, technical, and other fields. Your country enjoys well-deserved respect on the global stage and actively contributes to addressing key issues on the international agenda. We highly value our special, privileged strategic partnership with India. I am confident that, through our joint efforts, we will continue to expand constructive bilateral cooperation across multiple areas. This aligns fully with the interests of our friendly peoples and supports the strengthening of security and stability both regionally and globally.”

JKNC chief Farooq Abdullah wished people on Independence Day.

Speaking on Independence Day celebrations in the UT, he says, “Aansoo bhi theyy aur khushian bhi thi. There were tears because I too was a CM and we still had Article 370 and 35A at that time.”

President Droupadi Murmu pays tribute to the bravehearts, at National War Memorial on Independence Day. CDS and the three service chiefs are also with her.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS Defence Sanjay Seth are also here.

Congress leaders, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Ajay Maken and others participate in Independence Day celebrations at the party office.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extends congratulations and warm wishes to the people of India on the 79th Independence Day.

“The historic relationship between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy is consequential and far-reaching. Our two countries are united by our shared vision for a more peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region. Our partnership spans industries, promotes innovation, pushes the boundaries of critical and emerging technologies, and extends into space,” reads the press statement.

EAM Dr S Jaishankar hoists the Tricolour at his residence.

Jaishankar said, “It was a very powerful speech by the Prime Minister. It was a message of aatmanirbharta and that we can face all the challenges at home, abroad, and that he had great confidence in the Indian people that they will rise to the challenge…”

The US embassy wished India on Independence Day.

The message reads, “The United States expresses our warmest wishes to the people of India as they celebrate 78 years of independence. The relationship between our two vibrant democracies is consequential & far-reaching. Together, we will continue to work to advance a free & open Indo-Pacific & realize a bright future for the citizens of both India & the United States.”

Two men from Gujarat and Rajasthan were seen at Ghanta Ghar, Lal Chowk, Srinagar, hosting the national flag; one had his body painted in the Tricolour, celebrating the 79th Independence Day.

A student, Khushi Solanki, says, “…PM came here and shook hands with us. It felt so good. We could not interact with him but we shook hands.”

PM Modi interacts with guests after addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort in Delhi.

PM Modi meets and interacts with children after addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort.

“Will use latest technological tools to secure strategic, civilian and religious places across country,” says PM Modi in another atmanirbhar push for India.

“India to launch Mission Sudarshan Chakra to create powerful weapon system to thwart any attempt by enemies to attack us,” PM announced.

Regions earlier known for naxalism now producing world-class athletes: PM Modi in his I-Day speech.

“I salute dedication of RSS volunteers in serving nation over past 100 years”, says PM Modi in his Independence Day speech from Red Fort.

“Areas earlier known as ‘red corridors’ of Naxalism have now become green corridors of development,” adds PM Modi.

“India is proud of RSS’ 100 years of dedication towards country, it is biggest NGO in world,” he adds.

Highlighting India’s growth aspiration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I say this with great experience. Kisi doosre ki lakeer chhoti karne ke liye, apni oorja hamein nahi khapani hai. Hamein poori oorja ke saath hamari lakeer ko lamba karna hai. If we do that, the world will admit our strength. Today, when economic selfishness is rising day by day in the global situation, it is the need of the hour that we don’t sit crying over those crises. Himmat ke saath apni lakeer ko lambi karein…If we take that path, no selfishness will not able to entangle us.”

In a message to US President Donald Trump amid 50% tariffs on Indian imports, PM Modi says, “I am standing as a wall in front of any policy against my farmers, fishermen, and cattle rearers. Bharat will never compromise with its farmers.”

PM Modi addressing the nation on I-Day, announced one lakh crore rozgar yojna for youth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “…We have implemented major reforms across various sectors, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), insurance, and opening space for the world’s top universities to operate in India. We have overhauled outdated criminal laws that had remained unchanged for decades. More than 40,000 unnecessary compliances have been eliminated. We also introduced significant reforms in the Income Tax system, all aimed at improving ease of living for every citizen…We have ended the colonial-era criminal laws of British times and introduced the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, a step toward justice rooted in Indian values.”

‘Those getting their first job in the private sector will get Rs 15000,’ anounces PM Modi.

‘We have 2 crore Lakhpati Didis today,’ he adds.

Farmers contribute a lot to our economy, they have made India top producer of several commodities: PM Modi

‘This diwali will bring in double bonanza for Indians. Next-gen GST to be brought in by Diwali,’ says PM Modi.

“GST on items will be substantially reduced. This will reduce the tax burden across the country,” adds PM Modi.

‘Vocal for local should be the mantra for India today. This will help India become self-reliant. India must produce all components of electric vehicles,’ says PM Modi.

‘Shopkeepers should proudly display swadeshi board’

“India must not depend on others for fertilizers. From cybersecurity to deep tech India must be atmanirbhar. India must have its own deep tech and AI tech.”

“India’s own fighter aircraft must have an Indian jet engine,” says PM Modi in his I-Day speech.

He adds, “Today, India is building a modern ecosystem across every sector. I appeal to the youth and to every department of the government: we must strive to produce Made-in-India jet engines for our fighter aircraft. We are known as the pharmacy of the world, but isn’t it the need of the hour to invest more in research and development? Shouldn’t we be the ones providing the best and most affordable medicines for the welfare of humanity?”

“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 semiconductor factory came forth 50-60 years ago. You would be surprised to know that the idea of semiconductor was killed in the womb 50-60 years ago. We lost 50-60 years…,” PM Modi from Red Fort on I-Day.

“The world has seen the power of India’s UPI system. Today India has that financial power. We are atmanirbhar here also. Why should India’s money go to other countries,” says PM Modi.

“We are preparing to be atmanirbhar (self-reliant) in space industry also. We will build our own space station,” says PM Modi mentioning Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned to Earth after a historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission.

“India is taking steps to boost nuclear energy production and will hike nuclear energy 10-fold by 2047. We have also opened doors to private nuclear manufacturers,” says PM Modi.

“We are making India self-reliant. Government is on mission to set up semiconductor units. Made in India chips to be launched soon.”

“Becoming atmanirbhar is a key agenda. 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?”

Reiterating India’s stance on terrorism and suspension of Indus Water Treaty, PM Modi said, “Water and blood cannot flow together. Indian farmers have the right to use Indus water. We will use it for irrigation purposes.”