In his 12th consecutive Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) as the foundation for building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), urging the nation to shed overdependence on external sources across critical sectors including defence, space, clean energy, agriculture, and mineral exploration.
“Excessive dependence on others questions our independence,” PM Modi said from the Red Fort. “We must remain alert and committed to self-reliance.”
PM Modi announced the launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, inspired by Lord Krishna’s legendary weapon, to strengthen India’s offensive and defensive capabilities. This indigenous system, akin to a Dome-like shield, will be entirely researched, developed, and manufactured in India, targeting both the neutralisation and deterrence of threats.
He cited the success of Operation Sindoor as proof of India’s ability to act decisively using Made-in-India defence systems, and urged youth to develop jet engines for homegrown fighter aircraft.
The PM revealed that Made-in-India semiconductor chips will be ready by the end of 2025, alongside advancements in AI, cybersecurity, deep-tech, and operating systems. He called for Indian-developed social media platforms and secure digital infrastructure to protect data and communication systems.
PM Modi lauded Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, fresh from a mission to the International Space Station, and reaffirmed preparations for Gaganyaan, India’s first manned space mission. Over 300 startups are already driving innovation in the sector.
In energy, he announced that India has achieved its 50% clean energy target ahead of 2030, powered by advances in solar, nuclear, hydro, and hydrogen energy. Ten nuclear reactors are now operational, with plans to increase nuclear capacity tenfold by 2047.
Under the National Critical Minerals Mission, over 1,200 sites have been explored to secure resources vital for industrial and defence independence. Similarly, the National Deep Water Exploration Mission will locate vital oil, gas, and mineral reserves beneath the oceans.
Standing firm “like a wall” to protect farmers from adverse global trade pressures, PM Modi rejected foreign influence in India’s agriculture policy. He called for domestic fertiliser production to ensure food security and reduce imports.
Reiterating his call for “Vocal for Local,” the PM urged visible promotion of Swadeshi goods, with shopfront boards highlighting Indian products. He stressed that self-reliance should come from pride, not compulsion, and reaffirmed India’s role as the “pharmacy of the world”, calling for more R&D to deliver affordable medicines globally.
First introduced in 2020, the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy revives Mahatma Gandhi’s Swadeshi philosophy for the modern era, aiming to reduce imports and strengthen India’s strategic autonomy.
