During his Independence Day address on August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India is actively working towards establishing its own space station. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, Modi emphasized India's commitment to becoming self-reliant in the space sector.

The Prime Minister highlighted the recent return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the International Space Station (ISS). He noted that Shukla would be returning to India soon and that his experience would be invaluable for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, India's flagship human spaceflight program.

Modi expressed pride in the growing number of space startups in India, stating that over 300 such startups are currently operating, employing thousands of young people. He credited recent reforms for spurring growth in the space sector, attracting significant investment. These reforms reflect the government's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the space domain.

The announcement of India building its own space station aligns with the nation's broader vision of becoming a major player in space exploration and technology. This ambitious project will likely involve significant investment in research and development, infrastructure, and human capital. It also signifies India's growing capabilities in space technology and its desire to pursue independent space missions.

In addition to the space station announcement, Modi also spoke about other initiatives aimed at boosting the Indian economy and empowering its youth. He launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, a Rs 1 lakh crore scheme designed to create 3.5 crore jobs over the next two years. Under this scheme, young people getting their first jobs in the private sector will receive Rs 15,000 from the government, and companies creating more employment opportunities will also be incentivized.

Modi also highlighted India's progress in semiconductor manufacturing, stating that "Made-in-India" chips will be available in the market by the end of the year. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance in the manufacturing sector, citing Operation Sindoor as an example of India's capabilities.

The Prime Minister also touched upon the next generation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms and promised that there would be a drastic cut on GST on common household items, in hopes to ease compliance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

These announcements reflect the Indian government's focus on technological advancement, economic growth, and job creation as the nation progresses towards its 100th year of independence in 2047. Modi urged the youth to dedicate themselves to fulfilling the vision of a developed India by 2047.