New Delhi, Aug 14: Prime Minister NarendraModi on Friday paid tribute to those affected by the partition of India, saying their courage and resilience in rebuilding their lives after immense suffering demonstrated the strength of the human spirit.

Marking Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, PM Modi said the partition “tore apart several lives”, with families uprooted, loved ones lost, and people forced to endure immense suffering.

“At the same time, overcoming this, people rebuilt their lives from nothing, turned adversity into achievement and contributed immensely to our nation’s progress. Their life journeys remind us of the strength of the human spirit,” he said in a series of posts on X.

The PM said the day should deepen the resolve to preserve harmony and brotherhood and collectively work towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

He also paid heartfelt tributes to those who, despite emerging from the horrors of partition, made valuable contributions to the country’s progress.

“Through their courage and capability, they showed how resolutions are accomplished even in adverse circumstances,” PM Modi said, calling for further strengthening of the national spirit of goodwill and solidarity.

Quoting a Subhashitam, he stressed the importance of hard work, enterprise, and persistent effort in achieving success.

The PM said human endeavour, rather than dependence on fate, shapes destiny and urged people to move towards their goals with courage and diligence.

New Delhi, Aug 14: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday described the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan as a “decisive step” in the national interest, “especially the farmers”.
She also invoked Kargil Vijay Diwas and Operation Sindoor while outlining India’s security priorities in her address on the eve of the 80th Independence Day.
“Suspension of the IWT with the country that harbours terrorism is a decisive step in the interest of our nation, especially the farmers,” Murmu said.
The President’s remarks came while recalling the country’s response to terrorism and the “unmatched valour” of the armed forces.
“We take pride in our tradition of overcoming the forces hostile to humanity, for upholding truth and justice. On July 26, we observed Kargil Vijay Diwas. Earlier, on the May 7, we commemorated the completion of one year since the launch of Operation Sindoor. We remembered the unmatched valour of our Armed Forces,” she said.
“That historic operation against terrorism demonstrated the capability of the Indian armed forces to act with precision. It sent a clear and firm message to terrorists and those who support them, that no matter where they hide, they will have to face the consequences of their actions,” Murmu said.
She then linked the security response to the decision on the IWT, calling its suspension a decisive step in the national interest, particularly for farmers.
The President said India takes pride in its tradition of overcoming forces hostile to humanity and upholding truth and justice.

She also said making India Naxal-free was a major achievement after Naxalism had posed a serious challenge to the nation for decades.
“Today, enthusiasm prevails in the areas once affected by Naxalism. All-inclusive development is underway in these regions. A large number of players took part in the Bastar Olympics, and many artists showcased their talent in BastarPandum, which were enjoyed by large number of people,” she said.
Murmu also highlighted India’s cultural and historical heritage, saying 12 forts built to safeguard national pride and associated with the Maratha military tradition were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List last year.

“And, this year, Sarnath, the site of Bhagwan Buddha’s first sermon, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the one hand, Bharat Bhoomi has monuments of spirituality associated with Bhagwan Buddha. It also has symbols of our impressive ability to fight for preserving our pride and glorious traditions, on the other,” she said.

The President opened her address by greeting citizens on the eve of Independence Day and said the country was about to enter the 80th year since Independence.
She said all Indians, both in the country and abroad, celebrate the national festival with joy, with the tricolour serving as the symbol of freedom.
“On August 15, 1947, Bharat Mata was liberated from the shackles of subjugation. Every citizen became an architect of the destiny of Independent India,” Murmu said.
She said the true meaning of freedom lay in ensuring that all citizens could utilise opportunities to fulfil their aspirations and work towards making India the foremost nation in the world.
Murmu credited students and teachers, scientists and engineers, doctors and healthcare workers, workers and farmers with contributing to nation-building.
She also acknowledged sportspersons, craftspersons and artists, intellectuals, workers in private and public sectors, people’s representatives, judicial officials, civil servants, investors, social workers and SafaiMitra.
“Numerous citizens engaged in various other activities, and every citizen who faithfully discharges the Fundamental Duties enshrined in our Constitution, are active partners in our nation-building process,” she said.
The President specially commended soldiers of the three armed forces and police personnel for their unwavering dedication to duty.
She also praised the Indian diaspora and officials serving in Indian embassies for enhancing the country’s prestige and honour globally.
Murmu said India was moving towards building Viksit Bharat by the centenary year of Independence in 2047.

“Guided by the spirit of Antyodaya, it is our resolve to ensure that the fruits of development reach every individual,” she said, adding that India was moving forward by embracing its rich heritage and the ideals of the freedom movement while pursuing modern development.
She invoked the Ved-Vakya, ‘VayamRashtreJagriyam’, saying it inspires citizens to always remain ready to serve the nation.

Recalling the freedom struggle, Murmu said people with diverse ideologies had been united by the common goal of India’s Independence.
During the Swadeshi Movement, VandeMataram became a song of the masses, she said, while recalling the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar.
“I humbly bow to all those great sons and daughters of Bharat Mata whose ideals guided our country to its freedom and its progress thereafter,” she said.
Referring to August 14 as Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas, Murmu said the country solemnly remembered the lakhs of Indians who lost their lives in violence resulting from Partition or were forced to endure displacement.
“Lakhs of people had to become refugees due to communal violence and endure the horrors of partition. Yet, they did not give up their identity,” she said.
She said that at the time of Independence, India faced not only the grave consequences of Partition but also the extraordinary challenge of unifying more than 550 princely states with the newly independent country.
Murmu paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, saying he had ended the system of kingdoms and integrated the princely states into independent democracy.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, I pay my respectful tributes to the sacred memory of the sculptor of the unity of modern India, Lauh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,” she said.
Turning to democracy and the Constitution, the President said the Constitution framed by the people of India rested on the foundation of people’s participation.
She said public participation had always been inherent in the people of India, the cradle of democracy, and that citizens were continuing the tradition with renewed vigour.
“National campaigns are being implemented through active participation of the people. This is an inspiring achievement of our democracy,” Murmu said.
She said equality of status and opportunity, along with dignity of the individual, were among the cherished ideals of the Constitution.
People from ordinary backgrounds, she said, were making extraordinary contributions in many fields, strengthening her belief that everyone in today’s Bharat could dream big and realise those dreams.
Murmu said the Constitution clearly laid down the responsibilities of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
Giving voice to the aspirations of people was the duty of their representatives in the legislature, she said, while the Executive was responsible for implementing policies serving the interests of the nation and its people.
She said those associated with the judicial system had a duty to ensure that no one was deprived of justice due to lack of resources. “All citizens, especially those belonging to deprived sections of the society, should have equal access to timely justice with dignity,” she said.
On India’s development over the past little more than a decade, Murmu said the country had witnessed rapid and inclusive development, priority to harmonising heritage and development, and removal of numerous decades-old obstacles to development.
She referred to the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma JyotibaPhule and said Mahatma Phule and Kranti-JyotiSavitribaiPhule had made historic contributions to social justice, education, women’s empowerment and equality.
Following their ideals, she said, upliftment of deprived sections had been given priority at the national level during the past few years.
New standards had been set in women’s education, she said.
More than 25 crore people, according to Murmu, had been lifted out of poverty.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojana, described by her as the world’s largest programme of financial inclusion, nearly 59 crore account holders had joined the banking system, including more than 32 crore women.
Food security had been ensured for more than 80 crore people through free rations, she said.
Under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana, free healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year had been provided to 60 crore people, she said.
Kisan Samman Nidhi and Kisan Credit Cards, she added, had supported farmers involved in farming, dairy, poultry, fisheries and beekeeping.
Murmu said world history demonstrated that development rooted in a strong sense of cultural identity was both rapid and sustainable.
“There is a growing awareness in the country that a sense of cultural pride bolsters the inner strength of the nation,” she said.
She said India’s ancestors had passed on a rich legacy of learning, science, art and culture, spirituality and virtuous conduct, adding that the country was moving forward while harmonising heritage and development.
On technology, Murmu said India had developed the world’s largest and best digital infrastructure.
Digital payments, she said, were now common even in small rural shops and among street vendors, while more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions took place in India.

“Together, the people of India and the Government have presented an example of digital revolution to the global community,” she said.
The government, she said, was using technology to provide welfare benefits to people transparently.
The country had also witnessed unprecedented expansion of modern infrastructure in highways, waterways, railways and airways, she said, adding that this was creating opportunities for new enterprises, generating employment and boosting investor confidence.
On the global situation, Murmu said warfare and instability in several parts of the world were affecting every country.
“Even in such trying circumstances, our economy is moving ahead as the fastest growing major economy in the world,” she said.
According to economic projections, she said, India’s growth rate was expected to be more than twice the average global growth rate.
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, she said, had further strengthened the foundation of India’s economic progress and national security.
Murmu said India was also playing a leading global role in protecting the environment while pursuing modern development.
The country had achieved some of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 ahead of schedule, she said, adding that renewable energy development had gained unprecedented momentum over the past few years.

On foreign policy, the President said national interest was its foundation.
“Peace, cooperation, dialogue, and the ideal of VasudhaivaKutumbakam are the pillars of our foreign policy,” she said.
India had entered into Free Trade Agreements with many countries to enhance economic cooperation and strengthen mutual relations, she said.
The country was playing a leading role among nations of the Global South and had grown in stature on the global stage.
Murmu said India believed in a rules-based international order and was endeavouring to ensure that the global community received appropriate representation in the United Nations and other multilateral organisations.

“This endeavour of our country has been getting strong support from many countries,” she said.
Turning to environmental protection, Murmu said future generations had as much right over natural resources as the present generation.
“We must ensure that none of our actions result in the slightest encroachment upon the exercise of this right by future generations,” she said.
She called for efforts to leave richer bounties of nature for future generations, saying conservation of the environment was integral to India’s tradition.
The President cited a Santali song written by Pandit Raghunath Murmu: “Dare GujugKanNyelTe, Miru Cheney Rag BayahaDayaHayaGe; Gujug Kan Apowag Jati Dharam Dare, Chedag Babon Rag Bayaha Abo Ana NyelTe.”

She explained that the song describes an inconsolable parrot crying in grief after seeing a tree completely dried up.
“O my dear brothers! The parrot wails on seeing a dying tree. O my brothers! Why do we, human beings, not grieve when the tree of human culture is being destroyed?” she said, explaining the message of the song.
The message, she said, was that everyone must remain committed to preserving nature and human values.
“A lush green tree symbolizes the moral ideals and wellbeing of human society,” Murmu said.
She called for individual and collective efforts to protect the environment in the spirit of campaigns such as ‘EkPedMaaKeNaam’ and ‘Lifestyle for Environment’, or LiFE.

The President then highlighted the growing participation and achievements of women.
She said it gave her immense pleasure to see girls performing exceptionally well in education and noted that women’s participation was increasing across diverse sectors, from Drone Didi, who contributes to agricultural productivity, to Fighter Combat Leaders in the Air Force.
In the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, women won eight of India’s total tally of 13 gold medals, she said.
Murmu said women were increasingly achieving economic self-reliance, with more than 10 crore women being members of Self Help Groups.
A target had been set to create three crore Lakhpati Didis, and that target had been achieved, she said.
“Now our country is moving towards the goal of creating 3 crore new LakhpatiDidis,” she said.
About two-thirds of entrepreneurs who had received financial assistance under the MUDRA Yojana were women, Murmu said.
Along with economic self-reliance, women were also increasingly occupying leadership positions in many fields, she said.
The President said it was a remarkable achievement of the democratic republic that the number of women exercising their right to vote was growing.
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam had been enacted in 2023 with the objective of reserving 33 per cent representation for women in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies, she said.

“Achieving the objectives of this Act will enhance women’s role in leadership and make our democracy more inclusive,” Murmu said.
The President also placed strong emphasis on India’s youth.
She said 65 percent of the country’s population was below the age of 35 and described the young population as the country’s most valuable asset.
“The youth of our country are talented, committed, and skilled,” she said.
Murmu said she had seen innovative and practical solutions developed by young people to address challenges at the grassroots level.
“This reflects the dedication of our youth to society and the nation,” she said.
A new phase of space exploration, she said, had been ushered in through a recent successful rocket launch by a young team whose average age was only 28 years.

Many young people, she said, were embracing a culture of job creation through self-employment.
The participation of young entrepreneurs had created a strong start-up ecosystem, while major global enterprises were impressed by the talent and dedication of Indian youth and were entrusting them with leadership roles.
“Such young achievers have enhanced the reputation of India’s youth power across the world. Our younger generations strengthen my faith in India’s bright and prosperous future,” she said.

Murmu described students as the architects of India’s future and said government and society must remain united to safeguard their present and future.
Public examinations, she said, were gateways to opportunities for students and the Government was undertaking comprehensive reforms to make examinations more transparent, secure and trustworthy while completely curbing unfair means.
She said government initiatives and emerging economic activities were opening a wide range of new avenues for youth.
“By exploring such new opportunities, our young people can embark on new paths to success,” she said.
Physical and mental wellbeing of youth, Murmu added, formed the cornerstone of India’s future, with families and society also sharing responsibility for motivating young people.

Sports, she said, were being adopted as a medium for youth development and nation-building.
Under Khelo India, the sports ecosystem was being developed across the country from grassroots to national level, while the Government was making unprecedented investments to promote sports.

“These efforts are yielding good results. In international sports tournaments, there has been a remarkable leap in the performance and achievements of our sportspersons,” she said.
While India had the world’s largest young population, the number of senior citizens was also rising, Murmu said.
The government had taken several initiatives to improve their quality of life.
About six crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above could avail themselves of free healthcare services of up to Rs 5 lakh per year, she said.
“Society as a whole should be sensitive towards senior citizens, fostering a sense of belonging towards them and upholding their self-respect,” Murmu said.

Concluding the security-related portion of her address, the President reiterated that India took pride in overcoming forces hostile to humanity and upholding truth and justice.
She recalled Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed on July 26, and the completion of one year since the launch of Operation Sindoor, commemorated on May 7.
She said the country had remembered the unmatched valour of its armed forces.
Murmu said Operation Sindoor had demonstrated the capability of the Indian Armed Forces to act with precision and sent a clear and firm message to terrorists and their supporters that “no matter where they hide, they will have to face the consequences of their actions.”
The President said the development and wellbeing of every Indian was the real objective of building Viksit Bharat.
Quoting Telugu nationalist writer Gurajada Apparao, she said: “Desamunupreminchumanna, manchiannadipenchumanna; Desamantemattikaadoy, desamantemanushuloy.”

She explained the essence of the lines as:
“Love your country, foster goodness; A nation is not just its land, a nation is all its people.”
Murmu said it was her belief that with the participation of society and efforts of the government, people in every village, town, and household across India would become healthier, happier, and prosperous.

“With this all-inclusive spirit of patriotism, let us devote ourselves to the sacred national goal of transforming Swatantra Bharat into Viksit Bharat,” she said.

New Delhi, Aug 14: On the occasion of Independence Day 2026, the President of India Droupadi Murmu has awarded President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) to the following Officers and staff of RPF/RPSF:

President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM):
1. Shri Rajesh Lal, Assistant Security Commissioner, Railway Board

Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM):
1. Shri Satya Prakash, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, North Eastern Railway
2. Shri C. S Chengappa, Assistant Security Commissioner, Southern Railway
3. Shri Krishna Kumar Mishra, Assistant Security Commissioner, North Eastern Railway
4. Shri Vivek Verma, Assistant Security Commissioner, North Central Railway
5. Shri Moni Taro, Inspector, Railway Protection Special Force
6. Shri Barun Prasad Laheri, Inspector, Railway Protection Special Force
7. Shri H. K. Doddaiah, Sub Inspector, South Westem Railway
8. Shri Kailash Prasad, Sub Inspector, North Eastern Railway
9. Shri Naresh Kumar, Sub Inspector, Northern Railway
10. Shri Guru Prasad Nagarikanti, Sub Inspector, South Central Railway
ll. Shri Ram Prasad Meena, Assistant Sub Inspector (MT), Railway Protection Special Force
12. Shri E Arun Moli, Assistant Sub Inspector, Southern Railway
13. Shri Vikas Kumar, Assistant Sub Inspector, North Central Railway
14. Shri Niraj Ahlawat, Assistant Sub Inspector, Northern Railway
15. Shri Shankar Shivswami Edle, Head Constable, Central Railway

New Delhi, Aug 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day inspired the country to work with renewed determination for a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

In a post on X, the PM said the President’s thoughts “reflect the strength of our nation and the aspirations of every Indian”.

Modi said the address was motivating and thoughtful.

“Her message inspires us all to work with renewed determination for a Viksit Bharat,” the prime minister said.

Underlining that students are the “architects of India’s future”, President Murmu said in her address that the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

She stressed that just as the government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

New Delhi, Aug 14: Underlining that students are the “architects of India’s future,” President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

In her address to the nation on the eve of the country’s 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

“Public examinations become gateways to opportunities for our students. The government is undertaking comprehensive steps to reform these examinations. The objectives of these reforms are to completely curb the use of unfair means in public examinations, make the examination system more transparent, more secure, and more trustworthy for the youth,” she said.

Her remarks assume significance in the backdrop of recent nationwide Gen Z and student-led protests demanding systemic overhauls, fast-track investigations, and stringent legal action following high-profile paper leak irregularities in competitive examinations.

Highlighting the spirit of enterprise among young citizens, she said youths are increasingly embracing a culture of job creation rather than job seeking.

“Many of our youth are embracing the culture of job creation as they pursue the path of self-employment. The participation of young entrepreneurs has led to the creation of a strong start-up ecosystem in our country. Major global enterprises are impressed by the talent and dedication of Indian youth and entrust them with leadership roles,” she added.

The president said such achievers have enhanced the reputation of India’s youth power globally and reaffirmed her faith in the country’s bright future.

Turning to holistic development, the president said that the physical and mental well-being of the youth forms the cornerstone of the nation’s future, adding that families and society share the collective responsibility to motivate them.

She highlighted sports as a key vehicle for youth development and nation-building under the flagship ‘Khelo India’ programme.

“Under the Khelo India programme, a sports ecosystem is being developed across the country, from the grassroots to the national level. The government is making unprecedented investments to promote sports, yielding remarkable leaps in the achievements of our sportspersons in international tournaments,” she said.

President Murmu also lauded the “unmatched valour” of the Indian Armed Forces, saying Operation Sindoor demonstrated the country’s capability to execute precision counter-terror operations and sent a firm message that terror elements and their backers will face consequences regardless of where they hide.

She recalled the anniversary of the military action alongside historic observances like Kargil Vijay Diwas, reaffirming India’s tradition of overcoming forces hostile to humanity.

“On the 26th of July, we observed Kargil Vijay Diwas. Earlier, on the 7th of May, we commemorated the completion of one year since the launch of Operation Sindoor. We remembered the unmatched valour of our Armed Forces. That historic operation against terrorism demonstrated the capability of the Indian Armed Forces to act with precision,” she said.

She said the operation delivered an unequivocal warning to enemies. “It sent a clear and firm message to terrorists and those who support them, that no matter where they hide, they will have to face the consequences of their actions.”

The President also highlighted the strategic measures accompanying the counter-terror posture, describing the decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with the nation harbouring terror networks as a “decisive step in the interest of our nation, especially the farmers.”

On internal security, she termed the eradication of Naxalism a monumental achievement for the country after decades of struggle.

“For decades, Naxalism posed a serious challenge to the nation. Making India Naxal free is a major achievement. Today, enthusiasm prevails in the areas once affected by Naxalism,” she said, pointing to all-inclusive development efforts and active local participation in initiatives like the Bastar Olympics and the Bastar Pandum festival.

Highlighting the nation’s civilisational heritage, the President said that Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List this year, following the listing of 12 Maratha military forts last year.

She stated that India proudly balances monuments of deep spirituality with historic symbols of military strength and resilience.

Addressing foreign policy, she reiterated that peace, dialogue, cooperation, and the ideal of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) remain the bedrock of India’s international relations.

“We believe in a rules-based international order. Our endeavour is to ensure that the global community receives appropriate representation in the United Nations and other multilateral organisations,” she stated, noting India’s growing stature among Global South nations.

The President also touched upon senior care, pointing out that alongside the world’s largest young population, India is also seeing a rise in senior citizens and noted that about six crore senior citizens aged 70 and above can now avail of free healthcare services up to Rs 5 lakh per year under government initiatives, urging society to remain sensitive and uphold their dignity.

She said the country is moving steadily towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, driven by economic resilience, massive digital infrastructure, and empowered youth and women.

She stressed that guided by the spirit of ‘Antyodaya’, the core resolve of the nation remains ensuring the fruits of development reach every individual, even as global warfare and instability present severe economic headwinds worldwide.

“Even in such trying circumstances, our economy is moving ahead as the fastest growing major economy in the world. According to economic projections, the growth rate of the Indian economy is expected to be more than twice the average global growth rate.

“‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ has further strengthened the foundation of our economic progress and national security,” she said.

Highlighting internal welfare milestones over the past decade, the President said that more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty and added that nearly 59 crore account holders have joined the banking system under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, with over 32 crore of these account holders being women, while food security has been ensured for over 80 crore people through free rations.

Underlining India’s technological leap, she pointed out that the country has developed the world’s largest and best digital infrastructure, accounting for more than half of global real-time digital transactions.

Highlighting the demographic dividend, the President said that 65 per cent of the country’s population is below the age of 35, describing the youth as India’s “most valuable asset.”

She commended young entrepreneurs for driving a robust startup ecosystem and lauded young innovators, citing a recent space exploration milestone led by a team with an average age of just 28 years.

Women’s empowerment remained a central theme of her address. Celebrating achievements ranging from rural self-help groups to high-altitude defence, she said that the initial target of creating three crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ has been achieved, with the government now pushing towards a goal of creating three crore more.

“Our girls are performing exceptionally well in education and diverse sectors, from the Drone Didi enhancing agricultural productivity to the Fighter Combat Leader in the Air Force. In the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, women won 8 out of India’s total tally of 13 gold medals,” she said.

The President also highlighted political inclusion, pointing out that the enactment of the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ in 2023, which reserves 33 per cent of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies, will make Indian democracy more inclusive.

Speaking on sustainable development, she asserted that India is playing a leading role globally in protecting the environment, having achieved several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 ahead of schedule.

Reciting a Santali language poem penned by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, she urged citizens to remain committed to preserving nature and human values, linking individual action to national initiatives such as ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ (LiFE).

The President also paid homage to freedom fighters, Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for integrating over 550 princely states. She also solemnly remembered those who lost their lives or faced displacement during partition, observed on August 14 as ‘Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas’.

She invoked Telugu writer Gurajada Apparao’s lines, “A nation is not just its land, a nation is all its people”, urging every citizen to contribute wholeheartedly to transforming independent India into a fully developed nation by 2047.

New Delhi, Aug 14: “The Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is according the highest priority to the modernisation of the defence forces driven by a self-reliant and future-ready defence sector,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his address to the soldiers through Akashvani on the eve of 80th Independence Day on August 14, 2026. Highlighting the transformative shift witnessed by the defence sector in the last 12 years due to the initiatives such as ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make-in-India’, Raksha Mantri asserted that India has become a nation which is effectively catering to its own security needs, while emerging as a global defence manufacturing hub and a net defence exporter.

Singh emphasised that the domestic defence production, which stood at just Rs 46,000 crore in 2014, has skyrocketed to a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, nearly a four-fold increase over the last decade. This achievement, he said, is a testament to the structural changes that have taken place in the defence sector. He pointed out that Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and other public sector entities accounted for approximately 76% of the total defence production, with the private sector contributing 24%, up from 22% in the previous fiscal year. This growing participation of the private sector signals a continuously improving business environment within the defence sector, he said.

Defence Minister added that defence exports, which stood at a mere Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14, surged to an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, an increase of over 5,500%. He described the feat as the most compelling evidence of Aatmanirbharta in the defence sector. “Today, India has 145 defence exporters, and our products are being exported to over 80 countries. I am confident that we will achieve our defence exports target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029,” he said.

He also pointed out that the defence budget has risen from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 7.85 lakh crore in FY 2026-27, which is a reflection of India’s growing commitment to future defence technologies. “Capital expenditure has grown from Rs 94,588 crore to Rs 2.19 lakh crore. Our focus on Research & Development has also intensified. The R&D budget, which stood at Rs 15,283 crore in FY 2014-15, has increased by 90% to Rs 29,100 crore in FY 2026-27,” he said.

Defence Minister added that over the past year, the Defence Acquisition Council has granted Acceptance of Necessity for projects worth over Rs 8.75 lakh crore, which highlights the Government’s emphasis on defence modernisation. He listed the fundamental reforms undertaken in defence procurement to accelerate this modernisation process, including a two-fold increase in financial ceiling for Field Commanders to strengthen operational efficiency, and facilitation of procurement worth more than Rs 1.25 lakh crore through the revenue route to boost indigenisation.

Singh acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of the defence forces in the journey towards Aatmanirbharta. He stressed that India’s defence self-reliance drive is gaining momentum as indigenous warships, aircraft and advanced military systems are strengthening the capabilities of the Defence Forces.

He asserted that DRDO and the defence forces are positioning India at the forefront of technologies for future warfare amidst the evolving defence landscape. He made special mention of the successful test of the first Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation system, which has the capability to transform conventional weapons into precision-guided munitions. “The testing of the Advanced Agni Missile, equipped with MIRV technology, has added a new dimension to the strategic deterrence capabilities. Successful trials of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-SR, and Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket have provided unprecedented strength to the nation’s strike capabilities,” he added.

On the successful test of Active Cooled Full-Scale Scramjet Combustor for over 1,200 seconds, Rajnath Singh stated that the feat has placed India among the select group of nations capable of developing hypersonic missile technology. He added that the nation’s air defence capabilities have been further bolstered by the first successful test of the indigenous Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile.

Defence Minister underlined that border area development is a focus area of the Government as the objective is to enhance defence preparedness and connectivity with border areas. He lauded the defence forces for being the ‘first responders’ to carry out relief and rescue operations whenever an unfortunate natural disaster occurs in the country or abroad.

Singh reiterated the Government’s commitment towards the welfare of serving and retired defence forces personnel as well as their families, describing them as a reflection of honor, dignity, and self-respect. “Over the past five years, there has been a 300% increase in the budget of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme. Furthermore, under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, the Penury Grant has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000, the Education Grant from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 and the Marriage Grant from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000. These decisions demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of our soldiers and their Next-of-Kin,” he said.

Raksha Mantri also underscored the Government’s continued focus on providing increased opportunities for women in the defence forces and effectively utilising Nari Shakti in national security & nation building. “We achieved a historic milestone when the first batch of female cadets trained at the National Defence Academy was commissioned as officers in the three Services. This is proof that courage and leadership are not confined to any gender. ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition onboard Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni, stands as a symbol of ‘New India’ powered by ‘Nari Shakti’, he said.

Singh emphasised that 79 years ago, India’s freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sarojini Naidu, Rani Gaidinliu, and countless known and unknown heroes laid the foundation of independent India, and the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity today rests on the Defence Forces. “Even in adverse circumstances, the steadfast resolve of our soldiers ensures that the citizens realise their dreams in a safe environment. Their courage, commitment and discipline serve as a source of inspiration to every Indian. The nation will remain forever indebted to their unparalleled service, sacrifice, and dedication,” he said, expressing gratitude to every soldier.

Defence Minister stressed that the Independence Day this year holds special significance as 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’. “It is our collective responsibility to celebrate the occasion with great enthusiasm. It is not merely an anniversary, but a celebration of our collective consciousness. I am confident that this Independence Day will continue to fuel the spirit of patriotism and service to the nation within every citizen. Let us pledge to become active participants in nation-building and, by discharging our duties with dedication, make meaningful contributions towards building Viksit Bharat,” he said while concluding his address.