Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on August 15, 2025, addressed the nation from the Red Fort for the 12th consecutive year, delivering a powerful and assertive Independence Day speech. He touched on key national and international issues, from protecting farmers’ interests amid US tariff pressures to responding firmly to Pakistan’s nuclear threats and safeguarding Indus water rights. Here are some of the top quotes from his address:
1 / 7Modi On Farmers’ Interests | Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his support for Indian farmers as the US presses India to lower steep tariffs on agriculture and dairy — some reaching as high as 50%, compared to US farm tariffs averaging just 5%. India-US trade talks are currently at an impasse. The US has doubled its tariff on Indian goods to 50% — an initial 25% levy followed by a penalty over India’s Russian oil import.
2 / 7Modi on Fighter Jets | Calling for a boost in domestic defence manufacturing, PM Modi highlighted the development of “Made in India” fighter jets under the indigenous Tejas programme, which has successfully produced advanced light combat aircraft equipped with modern avionics and weaponry for the Indian Air Force. The remarks come amid heightened global trade tensions, including the US’s 50% tariff and calls for India to cut defence imports from Russia.
3 / 7Modi on Operation Sindoor | Speaking about Operation Sindoor, Modi highlighted that the destruction inflicted by the Indian armed forces in Pakistan was so widespread that new revelations are emerging every day. Operation Sindoor was conducted following the Pahalgam attack, involving precision strikes on nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, neutralising over 100 terrorists.
4 / 7On Nuclear Threats | PM Modi’s remarks came after a sharp escalation in nuclear rhetoric from Pakistan. On August 11, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir warned from US soil that if Pakistan were “going down,” it would take “half the world down” with it, and also threatened to target key Indian infrastructure, including Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery and assets linked to the Indus River.
5 / 7Modi on Indus Water Rights | PM Modi’s remarks come against the backdrop of the ongoing Indus water dispute with Pakistan. India has accused Islamabad of obstructing river flows in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling such actions unacceptable. Just days earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed that “not a single drop of water” would be allowed to be taken away under the treaty without a “decisive response.”
6 / 7Modi on Terrorism | Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, PM Modi condemned terrorism and said India gave its armed forces full freedom to strike back. He saluted the brave soldiers who punished the masterminds of terror. The attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, claimed 26 lives, including 25 tourists, when militants opened fire on civilians after asking for their religion. Modi reaffirmed that such violence will never be tolerated and that India remains committed to protecting its citizens.
7 / 7Modi on Clean Energy | PM Modi said, “We have decided to make India self-reliant in energy; taking several initiatives in solar, hydrogen, and nuclear sectors.” His comments come amid India’s ongoing push for clean energy and self-reliance. “We are also bringing more reforms in the nuclear energy sector and opening it to private participation,” he added. The government has stressed its commitment to energy security while encouraging citizens and industries to adopt renewable solutions for a greener future.
