On August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on India's 79th Independence Day. His speech, which lasted 103 minutes, was the longest Independence Day address ever delivered by an Indian Prime Minister, surpassing his own previous record of 98 minutes from the prior year.

In his address, Modi highlighted India's achievements and outlined new initiatives across various sectors. He commenced by paying respects to the constitution-makers and acknowledging the completion of 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee. He stated that the constitution has been a guiding light for the past 75 years. He observed a mini-India in front of his eyes, with people from all walks of life present and connected through technology.

Several key announcements were made during the speech:

• GST Reforms: The Prime Minister announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure would undergo revisions by October 2025. The goal is to reduce rates on essential goods and simplify the tax slabs, which would benefit households and small businesses.
• Youth Employment Scheme: The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, a ₹1-lakh-crore scheme, was launched to provide a one-time incentive of ₹15,000 to first-time private-sector job seekers, potentially benefiting approximately 3.5 crore individuals.
• Semiconductor Production: Modi emphasized the importance of indigenous semiconductor production for technological advancement and self-reliance.
• Mission Sudarshan Chakra: This initiative aims to safeguard strategic and public sites, enhancing national security. The mission involves developing a more powerful weapons system.
• Clean Energy Target: India has already achieved its goal of generating 50% of its electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, ahead of the 2030 deadline.
• Critical Minerals: Modi highlighted India's efforts to become self-sufficient in critical minerals, with exploration campaigns underway at over 1,200 locations.

Modi also acknowledged the armed forces' success in Operation Sindoor in Jammu and Kashmir, praising their role in national security. He lauded the "Lakhpati Didi" representatives and individuals contributing to the nation. He reiterated his government's commitment to farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen, assuring them that he stands firmly against any policy that threatens their interests.

The Prime Minister cautioned the nation about the dangers of illegal immigration and attempts to alter the country's demographic composition. He announced a high-powered demographic mission to tackle this issue, emphasizing that no nation can tolerate intruders. He also issued a stern warning to Pakistan, asserting that India would not succumb to nuclear blackmail.

Modi stressed the importance of reducing dependence on foreign technologies for military platforms and called for the development of jet engines within India for its fighter aircraft. He highlighted that the country is moving towards self-sufficiency in critical minerals.