Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address on August 15, 2025, laid out a comprehensive vision for a better India, encompassing enhanced national security, significant GST reforms, and a major employment scheme for the nation's youth. These initiatives, detailed during his address from the Red Fort, aim to propel India towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Strengthening National Security

A key announcement was the development of the 'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system, a state-of-the-art technological shield designed to protect critical national sites from evolving threats. This indigenous system, inspired by Lord Krishna's Sudarshan Chakra, will integrate advanced surveillance, cyber protection, and physical infrastructure safeguards. The goal is to have this multi-layered security framework fully operational by 2035. The initiative aligns with the government's broader push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), especially in defence and critical infrastructure. In addition to the 'Sudarshan Chakra' defence system, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved defence proposals worth ₹67,000 crore to enhance India’s military capabilities. This investment will modernize weaponry systems, surveillance equipment, and develop indigenous defence technologies.

GST Reforms for Economic Relief

Recognizing the need to simplify the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, which has been in place since 2017, Prime Minister Modi announced that next-generation GST reforms would be introduced by Diwali. These reforms aim to provide substantial tax relief to the common man and boost small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The proposed changes include rationalizing tax slabs and reducing GST rates on essential, everyday-use items. Many essential items could move into the 5% bracket, making them cheaper for consumers. The government is considering a simplified two-tier GST system with a 'standard' and 'merit' slab, alongside special rates for select goods. These measures are expected to ease inflationary pressures and boost consumption, giving a push to the economy.

Boosting Employment Opportunities

Addressing the critical issue of employment, Prime Minister Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), a new jobs scheme with a budget of Rs 99,446 crore. Effective from August 1, 2025, this scheme aims to create 3.5 crore jobs in two years, with a focus on first-time job seekers. Under this scheme, young men and women getting their first job in the private sector will be given Rs 15,000. Companies that create more employment opportunities will also be given incentive amounts. Employers who hire more workers will get up to Rs 3,000 a month for each new employee for two years, with manufacturing companies getting the benefit for up to four years. The scheme is designed to incentivize both first-time employees and private-sector employers, easing the transition into formal employment and stimulating job creation.

India's Economic Growth

These initiatives are part of a broader vision to strengthen India's economic foundation. India is projected to be the world's fastest-growing major economy, with real GDP growing at 6.5%. India has become the 4th largest global economy in 2025, driven by domestic reforms and global positioning under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Total exports increased by 76% over the last decade, reaching US$ 825 billion in 2024–25. Cumulative FDI inflows reached US$ 1.05 trillion, with a record 27% increase in equity inflows in the first 9 months of FY25 alone.

Infrastructure Development

India is undergoing a major infrastructure transformation to improve trade and boost the economy. Several large-scale infrastructure projects are underway, including the Gati Shakti National Master Plan, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Smart Cities Mission, and Bharatmala Pariyojana. These projects aim to transform the country's infrastructure landscape, contributing to India's mission to become a developed country under Mission 2047.

Prime Minister Modi's announcements on Independence Day 2025 reflect a commitment to strengthening India's security, simplifying its tax structure, and boosting employment opportunities. These initiatives, coupled with ongoing infrastructure development and a robust economic outlook, are expected to pave the way for a better India and contribute to its rise as a global power.