In a significant address to the nation on the 79th Independence Day from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a shift in India's stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that it is not in the nation's or the farmers' interest. He asserted that India can no longer accept a situation where the waters rightfully belonging to its farmers are used to irrigate the lands of others, while their own fields remain parched.

PM Modi described the Indus Waters Treaty as "one-sided" and affirmed that India's farmers have a right to the waters of the Indus River. He emphasized that the treaty has caused "enormous harm" to Indian agriculture. "Indus water was being used to irrigate enemies' soil while my land remained thirsty," the Prime Minister stated. He has pledged to ensure that India and its farmers will now have access to the water that is rightfully theirs.

The Prime Minister's remarks follow a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Modi emphasized the futility of continuing the agreement in light of this attack, conveying a firm message: "blood and water cannot flow together".

Furthermore, PM Modi issued a strong warning to Pakistan, asserting that India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail. He alluded to "Operation Sindoor," India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, and commended the armed forces for their actions. Modi stated that India's armed forces were given full freedom to retaliate, and they "punished the masters of terror beyond their imagination". He noted that terror hubs located hundreds of kilometers inside Pakistan were reduced to rubble.

In his speech, the Prime Minister touched upon the broader theme of "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) and the importance of self-reliance. He urged the nation to become "aatmanirbhar" (self-reliant) in all sectors, including critical minerals and defense production. He appealed to the youth and government departments to strive for the production of Made-in-India jet engines for fighter aircraft. Modi emphasized that true freedom lies in self-reliance and cautioned against over-dependence on others. He stated that self-reliance is not limited to exports, imports, the rupee, or the dollar but encompasses the nation's capabilities and strength to stand on its own.