PM Modi’s Red Fort Address Sets Out Vision for Viksit Bharat

New Delhi, August 15, 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, outlined an ambitious roadmap for India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. His address focused on self-reliance, youth participation, economic growth, technological advancement, national security and India’s growing global role. He also urged young people to actively participate in the ongoing Census and help provide accurate family information digitally. Sports and youth development were prominent themes in the Independence Day speech. Modi said India is a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympics and should aim to compete in every sporting event. He announced a nationwide talent hunt to identify children aged 5–15 with sporting potential and provide them with the best training and support. He also announced free online coaching for young people and an AI training programme aimed at training one crore youth within a year. On women’s representation, Modi said 33% reservation for women is the “call of the hour” and appealed to political parties to support the move. Highlighting India’s economic ambitions, the Prime Minister said the country should aim to have 50 companies among the Fortune 500 within the next decade, along with an Indian bank among the world’s top five and an Indian pharmaceutical company among the five largest globally. He also unveiled “Shakti ki Sapt Dhara”, focusing on manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, Gati-Shakti, Raksha Shakti, the green and blue economy, and India’s soft power. He urged MSMEs to take advantage of recent trade agreements and strengthen India’s position in global markets. Energy security and Atmanirbhar Bharat also featured prominently in Modi’s Red Fort address. He said India has set a target of 200 GW of nuclear energy and is establishing five new nuclear reactors, while highlighting the country’s mastery of fast breeder nuclear technology. He also stressed reducing dependence on other nations and strengthening domestic capabilities. Citing support for farmers, Modi said urea costing around Rs 3,000 per sack globally is supplied to Indian farmers for Rs 300, while DAP priced at Rs 5,000 globally is provided at Rs 1,350. From the historic Red Fort, Modi’s Independence Day message brought together national development, economic strength, youth empowerment, energy security and self-reliance under the broader vision of Viksit Bharat. His address called for ambitious goals and collective participation, placing the responsibility for India’s next phase of growth on the government as well as its citizens, young people and businesses.