“Space sector, an important element in strengthening country”: PM Modi in Independence Day speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasised the role of the space sector in the development of the nation and noted that the space sector is an important element in strengthening the country and achieving the target of ‘Developed India-2047’.

While addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day, PM Modi assured the countrymen that the commitment towards bringing reform is not just for editorials but to strengthen the country.

“The space sector is an important aspect. We have done many reforms in this sector. Today, many startups are entering this sector. The space sector which is becoming vibrant is an essential element towards making India a powerful nation. We are focusing and giving strength to this sector with a long-term idea,” he said.

“When the policy is right, the intention is right and the mantra is national welfare with complete dedication, then we definitely achieve results. Today private satellites and private rockets are being launched. The space sector is the future for India. We have strengthened and reformed this. Today, several start-ups are in the space sector,” the Prime Minister added.

“I want to assure the citizens of India that our commitment towards bringing reform is neither just for editorials, praise nor under compulsion. It is to strengthen the country,” he said.

It is noteworthy that India’s first human space flight programme is slated to be launched in 2024-25. The Gaganyaan project envisages a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bringing them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.

In February this year, PM Modi announced the names of the four chosen Indian Air Force pilots; Group Captain Prashanth Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla who would be part of the Gaganyaan mission.

In 2023, in a stellar display of prowess, India soared to new heights with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the Moon and the successful launch of Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission.

Among other feats, India now aims for setting up ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.

In his address to the nation from the Red Fort today, PM Modi stated that the nation is paving the way for unprecedented success with strong leadership, and ‘Jan Bhagidari’.

“Whether it’s tourism, MSMEs, education, health, transport, agriculture or any other sector, there is an advanced system. Bringing world’s best practices forward, we want to lead. Every sector requires modernisation, advancement and connectivity with technologies. We are getting new support due to our policies in all sectors,” he said.

“Bharat, once a victim of terrorist attacks, has now become bold and strong. Our robust actions like surgical strikes fill our people with pride. Today, 140 crore Indians exude self-confidence, empowered by a tradition of reforms ongoing across the country. With strong leadership, unwavering resolve, and ‘Jan Bhagidari’, we are paving the way for unprecedented success,” PM Modi added.

Recalling the days of struggle for Independence from British rule, the Prime Minister said, “Just remember those days before independence. Hundreds of years of slavery and every period of it was a period of struggle. Be it youth, farmers, women or tribals… they kept fighting against slavery. History shows that even before the freedom struggle of 1857, there were many tribal areas in our country where the war for independence was being fought.”

“This nation is indebted to every soldier who lost their lives for the country, and is grateful to them! We bow down to every brave heart. We pay our respects with reverence. Today, we salute those great personalities who are dedicated to protecting the nation, building it with full commitment, and taking the country to new heights,” he added.

PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other dignitaries. The Prime Minister was pictured dressed in a white kurta and blue attire and a traditional multicolour safa.

This year’s celebration marks the 11th time PM Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, making him the third Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to achieve this milestone. The theme for this year’s Independence Day is ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047,’ aiming to drive the Government’s efforts to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.