Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his much-awaited speech from the Red Fort on the 73rd Independence Day on Thursday
In his sixth consecutive Independence Day speech, PM Narendra Modi delivered his crucial speech which lasted 92 minutes. In his speech, the PM reiterated his stance on Article 370 and said that “the happiness of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh can become a big factor in India’s prosperity and peace”. Significantly, the PM did not mention Pakistan in his speech. Pakistan PM Imran khan had castigated India’s move to repeal Article 370 in his Independence Day speech on Wednesday.
PM Modi also promulgated his decision to create a Chief of Defense staff (CDS) as the head of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
The PM also talked about the changing aspirations of people and said, “No longer are people satisfied with just pukka roads, few hours of electricity and railway stations. Now every citizen wants four lanes, their culture and showcase it.” He also flagged the increasing water crisis and averred that about ₹3.5 trillion will be spent to tackle the problem under the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission.
PM Narendra Modi also touched upon the country’s increasing population and asserted that “small family policy is also a form of patriotism”. “Population explosion can lead to problems in future and one must ponder over how we will provide for future generations,” he further said.
Upon the country’s economy, the PM said, “Today, the Government in India is stable, the policy regime is predictable…the world is eager to explore trade with India. We are working to keep prices under check and increase development. The fundamentals of our economy are strong.” Encouraging domestic tourism, PM Modi asked Indians to travel within the country.
Also read: http://diplomacybeyond.com/india-and-china-should-respect-each-others-core-concerns-says-jaishankar/
