Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced various initiatives, targets, and reforms, with a focus on a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. In his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech on 15th August, PM Modi announced several youth-centric initiatives.
The Tricolour unfurls with the pride of 140 crore Indians! It carries the spirit of countless sacrifices and the promise of India’s boundless future.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2026
May the Tiranga always inspire us to realise our shared vision of a Viksit Bharat. pic.twitter.com/4Mecv2e5tm
Prime Minister Modi emphasised that to achieve the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, India must become Atmanirbhar Bharat, focus on technological capability, energy security, youth empowerment, and national resilience.
Free online coaching for competitive exams
The Prime Minister highlighted that coaching classes have become a heavy burden on poor and middle-class families. He noted that parents remain concerned that if they do not send their children to coaching centres, their kids will fall behind.
“The competition surrounding coaching classes has become a huge burden for middle-class families. Every parent feels that if they do not send their child to a coaching centre, they are somehow falling behind or do not belong to a respectable family,” he said.
To remove this financial burden, PM Modi announced that his government will provide free online coaching classes for competitive exams. He emphasised leveraging digital public infrastructure and talented teachers to build a full network so that youth can stay with families without having to compromise with their studies, avoid financial strain, and save thousands of crores spent on coaching.
“Keeping the concerns of poor and middle-class families in mind, we want to help save them the thousands of crores of rupees they spend on coaching. Our young people should be able to stay close to their families, receive their care, and avoid placing an additional financial burden on them. Therefore, we have decided to provide free online coaching for various competitive examinations for our youth. We have digital public infrastructure, and we have highly talented teachers and educators. By bringing these resources together, we will provide free coaching to the country’s young people and build an entire network for this purpose,” PM Modi stated.
VIDEO | Independence Day 2026: Addressing the nation from ramparts of Red Fort, PM Modi, says, "The competition surrounding coaching classes has become a huge burden for middle-class families. Every parent feels that if they do not send their child to a coaching centre, they are… pic.twitter.com/M2Tzle9Mkg
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 15, 2026
Civil Defence Reform
Delivering his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech, PM Modi called for a stronger, modern, and vibrant network of Civil Defence.
Noting the changed nature of warfare with wars no longer remaining limited to borders, PM Modi announced that a stronger network of Civil Defence will be established to familiarise citizens with emergency systems and protocols.
“My dear fellow citizens, making India secure is the collective responsibility of all of us. Whether the challenge arises from within our borders or from beyond them, India is fully prepared for every situation. Today, the nature of warfare is transforming. There is no longer any guarantee that a war will only be fought along border frontiers… Today from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I announce that in the coming days, we will establish a modern and vibrant network of Civil Defence. We will familiarise citizens with advanced emergency systems and protocols,” PM Modi said.
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "My dear fellow citizens, making India secure is the collective responsibility of all of us. Whether the challenge arises from within our borders or from beyond them, India is fully prepared for every situation. Today, the nature of… pic.twitter.com/Zrl9lsSqzT
— IANS (@ians_india) August 15, 2026
5 to 8 semiconductor plants coming up: PM Modi stresses Atmanirbharta in chips
PM Modi noted that chips are indispensable for electronics, medical equipment, transport systems, etc., and without them this modern world would come to a standstill.
The Prime Minister highlighted that India has pivoted toward self-reliance, with three major semiconductor plants established and production already begun.
He announced that in the coming 7-8 years, five to eight additional semiconductor plants are set to commence operations very soon.
“… Becoming an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is crucial. That is why, over the past few years, our conviction has been that India should no longer live in dependence on other nations; we must become self-reliant… We must enhance our own capacities and safeguard our interests ourselves. With this resolve, we are moving forward firmly towards an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ Every Indian is connecting with initiatives like ‘Make in India,’ ‘Swadeshi’, and ‘Vocal for Local’,” PM Modi said.
“In today’s digital world and technological landscape, we understand the immense importance of chips. Whether it is electronic goods, medical equipment, or transportation systems, chips are indispensable; without them, the world would come to a standstill. India has moved towards self-reliance in this sector; three major semiconductor plants have already been established, and I have been informed that production from these facilities has already begun for export. In the coming 7-8 years, five to eight additional semiconductor plants are set to commence operations very soon…” he added.
#WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "… Becoming an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' is crucial. That is why, over the past few years, our conviction has been that India should no longer live in dependence on other nations; we must become… pic.twitter.com/DI9GV1xx1M
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026
‘Energy security is the demand of the time’: PM Modi announces ambitious nuclear energy target
PM Modi informed the nation that efforts are being taken in the direction of producing 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047. He also said that India is progressing towards commissioning five new nuclear reactors.
The Prime Minister boasted that India has achieved mastery in Fast Breeder Nuclear Technology this year, marking a major milestone and a giant leap towards self-reliance in nuclear fuel.
“… Nuclear energy is a major means of energy security. We have paved the way towards a new goal by passing the ‘Shanti Act’ in Parliament. By 2047, we are moving forward with the target of 100 GW of nuclear power. We aim to commission five new nuclear reactors within this decade alone. This year, India achieved a significant milestone by mastering fast breeder nuclear technology, marking a major stride toward self-reliance in nuclear fuel,” PM Modi said in his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
#WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "… Nuclear energy is a major means of energy security. We have paved the way towards a new goal by passing the 'Peace Act' in Parliament. By 2047, we are moving forward with the target of 100… pic.twitter.com/yqkfEASmeP
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026
Notably, the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025 replaces two key legislations: the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. It allows private players to participate alongside public sector entities, while making it explicitly clear that highly sensitive materials and strategic controls will continue to remain exclusively with the government.
PM Modi also spoke about the expansion of piped gas and solar energy infrastructure, stating that piped gas coverage had surged from 70 cities before 2014 to 700 cities. He added that the number of households receiving piped gas has grown from around 22 lakhs to 1.75 crore. India’s solar energy capacity had risen from 2 GW in 2014 to 160 GW.
AI-skilling: PM Modi wants Indian youth to lead the global AI sector
In his 80th Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Modi has announced an initiative to provide artificial intelligence (AI) skilling courses to 1 crore young people.
“Today, there are over 250,000 registered startups. We recently hosted an AI Impact Summit; the reach of AI is expanding rapidly. From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I wish to make an announcement to the nation’s youth: we have resolved to train 10 million (one crore) young people in AI skills over the coming year, empowering them to take the lead in the world of AI. Before 2014, the bio-economy sector was valued at only ₹60,000 crore… The industry that stood at ₹60,000 crore before 2014 has now surged to ₹20 lakh crore,” PM Modi announced.
#WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today, there are over 250,000 registered startups. We recently hosted an AI Impact Summit; the reach of AI is expanding rapidly. From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I wish to make an… pic.twitter.com/uHGQZ4Zuwl
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026
Saptadhara: PM Modi announces unique seven streams of strength for a Viksit Bharat
The Prime Minister gave seven clarion calls that are paramount for achieving the ambition of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. PM Modi announced a seven-point ‘Saptadhara’ reform framework to expedite India’s ambitious journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
PM Modi called for significant changes in manufacturing, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, defence, the green and blue economy, and soft power to bolster India’s global influence.
“Today, I would also like to recall that era when the nation knew, understood, and heard of India’s prowess in the form of the ‘Sapta Sindhu’. Now, to build a Viksit Bharat, we need a new current. Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I invoke the ‘Sapta Dhara’ of strength before the nation,” PM Modi said.
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today, I would also like to recall that era when the nation knew, understood, and heard of India's prowess in the form of the 'Sapta Sindhu'. Now, to build a Viksit Bharat, we need a new current. Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort,… pic.twitter.com/fuCVZGPH7l
— IANS (@ians_india) August 15, 2026
“In the coming 5 to 7 years, what could not be achieved in the last 5 to 7 decades, through the prowess and power of this Sapta Dhara, we will give the nation new heights, new momentum, and the capability to surpass new goals. Alongside this, the power and potential of our youth will be fully harnessed and integrated into nation-building…” he added.
Following are the seven streams of the ‘Saptadhara’:
- Manufacturing Power: Build complete domestic end-to-end value chains, from design to components, focusing on zero-defect quality, cost, and global scale.
- Agriculture and Food Processing: Create integrated farm-to-export supply chains for millets, spices, and fruits while transitioning to chemical-free farming.
- Technology and Innovation: Evolve from a tech market into a global innovation hub leading in AI, Quantum, Space, Robotics, DPI, and Made-in-India 6G.
- Gati Shakti: Establish high-speed, seamless multimodal logistics connecting cities, highways, rail, airports, and modern industrial sea ports.
- Defence Shakti: Achieve complete strategic self-reliance by pioneering and exporting next-gen defence technologies like drones, counter-drone systems, and hypersonics.
- Green and Blue Economy: Scale sustainable growth through Green Hydrogen, renewables, and energy storage alongside full utilization of ocean, coastal, and marine potential.
- India’s Soft Power: Globalize Indian culture, Yoga, Ayurveda, and tourism while establishing global leadership in gaming, VFX, animation, and the creative economy.
During this Independence Day speech, PM Modi also highlighted several achievements, particularly, Defence production surging four times, Khadi village industries by five times, mobile phone production by 33 times, digital transactions increasing by 100 times, in addition to a massive acceleration in basic amenities. PM Modi also boasted that his government has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty.
