PM Modi Independence Day Speech 2026 Highlights: India is marking its 80th Independence Day on Saturday. The national flag will be hoisted on the ramparts of the Red Fort — with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to deliver his 13th consecutive address to the nation shortly.
“Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day. We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharat,” Modi wrote on X ahead of the event.
He added that the country was “scaling new heights of progress across different sectors” — voicing hope that India would see its journey “keep progressing at an even greater pace in the times to come”.
Ceremony at the Red Fort
The Prime Minister will hoist the National Flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Saturday morning before delivering his 13th consecutive address to the nation. According to an official press release, he will receive a Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police before proceeding to the ramparts of the historic fort.
The flag hoisting will be synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns. The Rashtriya Salute will follow before the Army band plays Vande Mataram and the National Anthem for everyone to sing.
Two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force will shower flower petals at the venue. One helicopter will carry the National Flag, while the other will carry a flag depicting ‘Vande Mataram’.
150 years of Vande Mataram
The event also marks 150 years of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ — with the song being rendered during Independence Day celebrations for the first time this year. Cadets of the National Cadet Corps and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will sing the National Song, followed by the National Anthem, after PM Modi’s speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
For the first time, the full version of “Vande Mataram” was played before and at the conclusion of the President’s Address to the Nation on the eve of Independence Day. The rendition was followed by the national anthem, marking a historic moment in the official celebrations.
PM Modi lays out seven-point 'Sapta Dhara' framework - Details
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid out a seven-point reform framework, 'Sapta Dhara', aimed at accelerating India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, with a focus on manufacturing, agro-food production and food processing, technology and innovation, logistics, defence, green and blue economy, and soft power.
"In the coming 5-7 years, with the strength and power of these seven streams, we will give the country new heights, new momentum, and the capacity to achieve new goals," he said, adding that the full potential of the nation's youth power will be utilised in nation-building
Modi announces free online coaching for youth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced free online coaching for aspirants preparing for competitive exams to ease the financial burden on their families.
"Coaching classes burden the poor and the middle class. We will provide free online coaching for various exams. Every parent feels that if they do not send their child to a coaching class, they are not a prestigious family," Modi said in his address to the nation on India's 80th Independence Day.
The prime minister said he assures these families that they can save "thousands of crores of rupees" spent on coaching, be close to their children, and care for them.
"And therefore, we have decided to provide free online coaching for various examinations for the youth. We have digital public infrastructure; we have excellent talent and teachers. By bringing these resources together, we are going to build a complete network to provide free coaching to the youth of the country," Modi said.
PM Modi delivers 75 minute address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his national address from the ramparts of the Red Fort after approximately 75 minutes.
PM Modi urges youngsters to help census exercise
"I want the youngsters to lead in this. An hour or two from your will help the country. These days, there is census work happening in the country, enumeration is going on," the PM began.
He stressed the need to have accurate information --- noting that spelling mistakes and errors could happen when government representatives come to people's doorsteps.
"This time around, you can self-enumerate, someone will surely come later. But if you give the correct information on digital platform, it will help the country a lot. I urge youth to help their families and work in filling correct information, and join the national cause of census," he said.
Brought 650 new universities, doubled medical seats, since 2014: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the country added 650 new universities in the last decade and more than doubled the number of medical seats since 2014.
In his address to the nation on the 80th Independence Day, Modi said the government brought in a new education policy after decades.
"For 35 years, there was no education policy. We brought a new education policy," he said from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
"From 2004 to 2014, there were fewer than 350 universities. And today, within 10-12 years, nearly 650 new universities have been added," the prime minister said.
"Before 2014, there were only 400 medical seats, and today nearly 850 medical seats are available," he added.
The prime minister said India is emerging as an attractive destination for foreign universities.
"... now foreign universities are also coming to India. Arrangements have also been made so that our youth can obtain foreign degrees within India," Modi said.
PM Modi says Maoism now 'breathing its last' in India
"Naxalism had destroyed our constitution and peace. In 2014 we aimed to finish Naxalism. And now I'm happy that we have...Large swathes of our country were under the grip of Naxals; Maoism is now breathing its last," he said.
50 Indian companies should be among Fortune 500 companies: PM Modi
“I want to awaken the nation, and I also want to awaken the strength of the nation. A nation is not just about the government… a nation is made up of every citizen. We often hear about the Fortune 500 companies. Why shouldn’t 50 of those Fortune 500 companies be from India in the coming decade? Why should this not be our goal? Today, our banking sector is flourishing. Why shouldn’t an Indian bank have its flag flying among the world’s top banks? At least one Indian bank should be among the world’s top five banks. We have made significant progress in the pharmaceutical sector as well. But the need of the hour is that, among the world’s five largest pharmaceutical companies, the name of at least one Indian pharmaceutical company should resonate. India must establish its place among them,” he added.
'One crore youth to get AI training': PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed on Saturday morning that one crore youth would now get artificial intelligence training in a year.
"We have decided that in next one year, 1 crore youth will be given training in AI skill...We have to focus on three things -- cost, quality and skill," he said.
"Our factories must be competitive, products user-friendly and packaging the best...Aviation sector growing very fast, creating opportunities for our youth," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that there had been a "significant increase" in medical seats across India.
He also called for development in the pharmaceutical industry --- contending that Indian companies "should strive to be among the top five pharma companies in the world".
PM says 'made in India 6G' should reach every corner of the world
"We have to take digital public technologies to every corner of world; it should be our aim to take made in India 6G everywhere," he said.
PM Modi sets 5 year target for India
"Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I call upon the nation to harness the 'Sapt Dhara '- the seven streams of strength. In the next five to seven years, we will achieve what could not be achieved in the past five to seven decades. With the strength and potential of 'Sapt Dhara', we will take the nation to new heights, give it new momentum, and empower it to achieve and surpass new goals," the Prime Minister said.
"Alongside this, the immense potential of our youth will be fully harnessed in nation-building. Their energy, talent and strength will be brought together and channelled towards building a stronger and more developed India," he added.
25 crores taken out of poverty: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that his government had taken 25 crore people out of poverty. He said in the last 12 years, the nation has expedited its development.
“It is impossible now to stop 140 crore Indians who are marching with resolve towards development,” he said.
"Due to our measures, there is no shortage of gas, fuel, urea in the country today...Piped gas is reaching 1.75 crore households today. Over 50 lakh households in the country are now covered by solar energy," Modi added.
'India to become global defence supplier': PM Modi
"India must move beyond Aatmanirbharta in defence and aim to become a global supplier of defence equipment. He stressed that India needs to take the lead in developing and adopting new technologies, strengthening its domestic defence capabilities while building a larger role for the country in the global defence market," he said.
PM Modi highlights focus on tech, innovation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is laying focus on technology and innovation, which includes setting up data centres and laboratories.
He also said that the markets of the world were open for Indian farmers --- adding that the country needed to "reach there" and have its agri-products become global brands.
'Chips are indispensable': PM Modi highlights semiconductors at Red Fort | Video
"The world has started recognising our abilities; we have concluded FTAs with 40 countries...The trade agreements we are signing provide a big opportunity for MSMEs --- want to tell them not to let go of this," said PM Modi in his Independence Day speech.
"India has a stable political mandate, a stable government, a vibrant democracy, a strong judicial system and a Constitution that guides us all. The recent trade agreements we have signed provide a great opportunity for us. I want to tell our MSMEs that we must not miss this opportunity," PM Modi added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is moving forward to harness alternative sources of energy.
"Energy security is the demand of our times; we have taken several steps for this. lar capacity has been hiked from 2 GW to 160 GW...We have set target of 200 GW nuclear energy; setting up 5 new nuclear reactors," he added.
"Urea prices are skyrocketing globally. We get it at Rs 3000, but give that to our farmers for Rs 300," he said.
'We cannot rely on other nations': PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to make India a developed nation by 2047 --- adding that the country could not remain reliant on other countries.
"We cannot remain dependent on other nations; we must become self-reliant...Our success shows the resolve of Viksit Bharat in 2047 cannot remain unfulfilled," he said.
"World will be forced to look at India differently when most populous country becomes a developed nation... People's efforts have resulted in taking India from fragile five to major economy in last 12 years," he added.
'India to become developed nation by 2017' vows PM Modi
"We, too, have envisioned a grand dream—a dream pursued with firm resolve and the aim of scaling new heights. It is the vision that by the time we mark 100 years of independence—by 2047—we will have transformed India into a developed nation," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"We must achieve this goal through the collective effort and industrious spirit of our 1.4 billion citizens. When the world's most populous nation resolves to become a developed country, it stands as a testament to our courage in the eyes of the global community; the world is compelled to change its perspective towards us," he added.
Modi hails development under his govt, says India placed among 'fragile 5' by 2014
"The country became independent with many dreams, but we could not pick up the pace or accelerate. We remained stuck in an attitude of 'it will happen, let's see'. By 2014, the entire world had placed India among the 'Fragile Five'. At such a time, over the last 12 years, India has picked up a new pace and is moving forward rapidly. The resolve of the people of the country is that it is impossible to stop the determination and strength of 1.4 billion Indians."
PM Modi highlights focus on energy security
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that semiconductors, critical minerals, and energy were key areas of focus in the new world. He added that India was taking key steps to focus on energy security --- citing the expansion of data centres and the chip industry.
He said India is looking forward to producing 100 GW of energy by 2047. Modi also hailed the Shanti Bill as a key step towards realising the goal.
I'll give you an example of semiconductors... There was all talk, but we couldn't move forward on those promises... but now, in today's world, we understand the importance of technology....This is why, to become Atmanirbhar, India has started three big semiconductor plants. Coming years will see five to seven more such plants," he said (roughly translated from Hindi).
"Many countries are now depending on India for critical minerals," he added.
PM Modi delivers message of self-reliance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the importance of self-reliance as he addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The PM touched upon his government programs such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India as he pitched for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
'Will ensure India becomes developed by 2047': PM Modi
"A country becomes great when it moves forward on the basis of its dreams and aspirations... Our dreams, resolves should be big as this takes capabilities to greater heights. India dreaming big to touch new heights; will make sure country becomes developed by 2047," the PM vowed from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
PM Modi condoles people affected by floods
"In the last few days, some parts of the country have witnessed floods, which have affected many people. I assure the affected families that the whole country stands by them," he said.
PM Modi pays tribute to freedom fighters, hails historic rendition of Vande Mataram
"I pay my tributes to Bapu and all the freedom fighters and revolutionaries on this Independence Day... It is a historic day. After independence, this is the time when 'Vande Mataram' has echoed from the ramparts of Red Fort," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just started his 13th consecutive address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
"Today, every heart is beating with the rhythm of Vande Mataram. Aaj har ghar Tiranga hai, har mann Tiranga hai," he began.
IAF helicopters shower petals on venue
Two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force showered flower petals at the venue moment after the national anthem was played. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just unfurled the Indian national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
One helicopter carried the National Flag, while the other carried a flag depicting ‘Vande Mataram’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just unfurled the Indian national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort. He was accompanied and assisted by Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan.
The hoisting of the National Flag was synchronised with the 21-Gun Salute by the gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery, utilising the indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns, is commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat, and the Gun Position Officer is Naib Subedar (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Anuthosh Sarkar.