On August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led India's 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi. The event included the hoisting of the national flag and a 103-minute address focusing on national unity, defence achievements, and the vision for a developed India. Modi emphasized the importance of self-reliance, particularly in energy, defence, technology, and space sectors. He announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, a ₹1 trillion jobs scheme aimed at benefiting 35 million youth by providing ₹15,000 incentives to first-time private sector employees and additional incentives for employers. The prime minister also highlighted efforts toward energy self-sufficiency through a mission to explore oil and gas reserves, referred to as 'samudra manthan'. The celebrations featured extensive decorations, including posters on Operation Sindoor, underscoring the focus on self-reliance in defence and security. Modi's speech also touched on artificial intelligence, deep technology, nuclear power, and national security, outlining a comprehensive approach to India's development amid global challenges such as the backdrop of increased tariffs threatened by the U.S.