NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Friday, announced a series of initiatives aimed at advancing India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
According to media reports, PM Modi highlighted manufacturing, technology, innovation, food processing and digital technologies as key areas for India’s growth. He also stressed the importance of quality, scale and cost competitiveness.
The Prime Minister announced that one crore youth will receive artificial intelligence (AI) skills training over the next year. He said India must take a leading role in emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, robotics, space technology and data centres.
PM Modi also announced free online coaching for competitive examinations, aimed at reducing the financial burden on families and expanding access to preparation resources through digital infrastructure.
On defence, he reiterated the government’s push to make India a global manufacturing hub, with a focus on advanced systems including hypersonic weapons, drones and counter-drone technologies. He also highlighted progress on the indigenous Sudarshan Chakra air defence system and plans to strengthen civil defence capabilities.
In sports, PM Modi announced a nationwide talent identification programme for children aged 5 to 15, with selected youngsters to receive specialised training. He also said India should aim to participate in at least three-fourths of events if it hosts the 2036 Olympics.
The Prime Minister said semiconductor production had begun at three plants and that five to eight more plants were expected to be established in the coming years.
On energy security,PM Modi announced plans to operationalise five new nuclear reactors during this decade. According to media reports, the government has set a target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, under the framework created by the SHANTI Act.
The announcements form part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen technology, self-reliance, employment, national security and economic growth ahead of 2047.
