PM Modi addresses nation on I-Day: GST gift in Diwali, nuclear blackmail, and more

The Prime Minister hoisted the national flag and paid tribute to the Armed Forces, particularly for the success of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

One helicopter flew the national flag, while another carried a flag depicting Operation Sindoor, underscoring the mission’s national significance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a bold Independence Day declaration, announced the formation of a high-level task force to spearhead next-generation reforms across governance, taxation, and public service delivery. 

Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, PM Modi said, “We have decided to form a task force for next-generation reform. Our aim now is to bring about all kinds of reforms.” 

In a festive note, the Prime Minister promised a “double Diwali” for citizens this year, hinting at a major economic announcement. 

“This Diwali, I am going to celebrate a double Diwali for you. The countrymen are going to get a big gift, there will be a drastic cut on GST on common household items,” he said, signalling sweeping changes in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. 

PM Modi emphasised the urgency of reviewing GST rates, calling it the “need of the hour”.

He announced that the government is preparing a new-generation GST reform aimed at reducing the tax burden on common citizens. 

“GST rates will be reduced drastically. Tax will be reduced for the common people,” he declared. 

The announcement comes as GST marks its eighth anniversary, having evolved into one of India’s most significant post-independence tax reforms. Since its launch in 2017, GST has unified the country’s indirect tax structure and significantly improved the ease of doing business, especially for small and medium enterprises. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent a stern message to Pakistan, declaring that India will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail.  

“Blood and water won’t flow together,” he said, referencing the Indus Waters Treaty and the country’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism.

PM Modi emphasised that India’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness. “India has decided it will not fall for nuclear threats anymore. Our Armed Forces have punished the masters of terror beyond their imagination,” he said, alluding to the deep strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor.

The Prime Minister also criticised the Indus Waters Treaty as “unjust and unreasonable,” suggesting that India may reconsider its obligations under the agreement if Pakistan continues to support terrorism.

His statement, “blood and water cannot flow together,” was widely interpreted as a warning of potential diplomatic and strategic recalibration.

He said this great festival of freedom is a festival of 140 crore resolutions. 

“This festival of freedom is a moment of pride in collective achievements. Every heart is filled with enthusiasm. The nation is continuously strengthening the spirit of unity," he said in his much-awaited address. 

He said that in 1947, with infinite possibilities and the strength of countless arms, our country became free. 

“The aspirations of the nation were taking flight, but the challenges were even greater. Following the principles of revered Bapu, the members of the Constituent Assembly fulfilled a very important responsibility. For the past 75 years, the Constitution of India has been a guiding lighthouse for us,” PM Modi said in his address. 

The PM said, "On this great festival of independence, I heartily congratulate the people of the country, the lovers of India spread across the world, and our friends."

"Today, we are celebrating the 125th anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the first great man to sacrifice his life for the Constitution of India. When we abrogated Article 370 to fulfil the vision of 'One Nation, One Constitution', we gave him a true tribute, " PM Modi said..

Earlier, as the Prime Minister arrived at the ramparts of the Red Fort to lead the nation in celebrating the 79th Independence Day, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force flew above the Red Fort and showered flower petals. 

The theme of this year's celebrations is 'Naya Bharat' and the celebrations serve as a platform to commemorate the continuing rise of a prosperous, secure and bold New India, the government has said.

(This story was taken from syndicated feed and was only edited for style by Gujarat Samachar Digital team)