Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Modi pitches self-reliance, soft power, youth skills on Independence Day
India's biggest birthday is called Independence Day, and every year the prime minister gives a big speech from an old fort called the Red Fort.
This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India should learn to do more things by itself instead of depending on other countries.
He talked about India's 'soft power' – things like yoga, Ayurveda and creative work such as films and games that make people around the world love India.
He said India is already making computer chips and hopes to build several more chip factories in the coming years.
He promised free online classes to help young people prepare for big exams like doctor and government job tests.
He also said ten million young people will get training in smart computer skills called artificial intelligence, or AI.
He wants India to host big sports events, like the Commonwealth Games in 2030.
India is also trying to host the Olympic Games in 2036.
The prime minister's plan has seven parts, all aimed at making India a developed country over the next 20 years.
In his 80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, PM Modi urged India to become self-reliant and reduce dependence on other countries.
Modi said India has begun production at three semiconductor plants, with five to eight more plants expected in the coming years.
The government will offer free online coaching for competitive examinations and train 10 million (one crore) youth in AI skills within a year.
Modi pitched yoga, Ayurveda, holistic healthcare and creative industries such as films, VFX and gaming as India's soft power.
India will host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and is a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympics, backed by a talent hunt for ages 5 to 15.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- What
- Delivered an Independence Day address outlining a seven-point framework for a developed India, covering self-reliance, soft power, semiconductors and youth skills
- When
- Saturday, on India's 80th Independence Day
- Where
- From the ramparts of the Red Fort
- Why
- To urge India to strengthen its own capabilities and reduce dependence on other countries
Government
Critics
Response to youth exam protests
Government
The government responded to protests by increasing penalties for leaking examination papers and announced free online coaching and AI training to ease the financial burden on families.
Critics
Critics said the youth-led protests posed one of the biggest challenges to Modi's government since it came to power in 2014, exposing concerns over access to jobs and educational opportunities.
- Event
- 80th Independence Day address
- Speaker
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Location
- Ramparts of the Red Fort
- Semiconductor plants
- 3 in production; 5-8 more expected in coming years
- AI training
- 10 million youth (one crore) to be trained in AI skills within a year
- Free coaching
- Free online coaching for competitive examinations
- Major events
- Host Commonwealth Games 2030; strong contender for 2036 Olympics
- Development vision
- Seven-point framework to make India a developed nation within 20 years