Independence Day 2026: President Murmu’s address has a warning for terrorists & their backers, a big economic message and a vision for India’s defence

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, speaking about the country’s development journey, national security, economic growth and the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The President began her address by extending Independence Day greetings to citizens and marking the beginning of the 80th year of India’s independence.

“On the eve of Independence Day, I would like to congratulate everyone. In a few hours, the auspicious commencement of the 80th year of the country's independence will take place,” she said.

President Murmu speaks on Viksit Bharat vision

President Murmu stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of development reach every citizen as India moves towards becoming a modern and developed nation.

“We are moving forward towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The benefits of development should reach every person, as India progresses on the path of a modern nation,” she said.

Operation Sindoor showed Indian forces’ capability

Speaking about national security, President Murmu said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the capability of the Indian Armed Forces to carry out precision strikes against terror networks.

“Operation Sindoor demonstrated Indian Armed Forces' capability for precision strikes against terror networks,” President Murmu said.

She also warned terrorists and those supporting them that they would face consequences, irrespective of where they attempted to hide.

“Terrorists and those supporting them will have to face consequences no matter where they hide,” President Murmu said.

Indus Waters Treaty suspension in national interest

The President also referred to India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a decisive step in the national interest, particularly for farmers.

“Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty with country harbouring terrorism a decisive step in national interest, particularly for farmers,” she said.

President says making India Naxal-free is a major achievement

President Murmu described progress towards making India Naxal-free as a major national achievement. She also highlighted rapid development and growing cultural participation in Bastar.

Indian economy growing despite global instability

President Murmu spoke about India’s economic performance amid global uncertainty, warfare and instability.

She said the Indian economy is projected to grow at more than twice the average global growth rate, despite challenges posed by geopolitical tensions.

“Indian economy projected to grow at over twice average global growth rate despite global warfare, instability,” she said.

“Over 25 crore people lifted out of poverty in past decade through inclusive development initiatives,” she added.

The target of creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis has been achieved, and the nation is now moving towards the target of creating 3 crore more Lakhpati Didis, the President said in her address to the nation.

She also commended the personnel of the three armed forces, armed police forces and police personnel for their dedication to duty.

“I commend the personnel of the three armed forces, all armed police forces and police personnel for their dedication to duty. I also appreciate Indians who are enhancing the country's honour and prestige on the global stage, as well as citizens working in Indian embassies abroad,” she said.

India accounts for over half of real-time digital transactions

Highlighting India’s digital transformation, President Murmu said the country accounts for more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions.

She pointed to India’s expanding digital infrastructure and technological capabilities as important parts of the country’s development journey.

President stresses access to justice for all

President Murmu also spoke about the importance of ensuring equal access to justice, particularly for people who may lack financial resources.

“It is the duty of every person associated with the judicial system to ensure that no one is deprived of justice due to lack of resources,” she said.

Vande Mataram opens Independence Day programme

The programme began with a rendition of the full version of Vande Mataram, setting the tone for the Independence Day celebrations.

The President’s address came a day before India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, with this year’s celebrations centred on the vision of a Viksit Bharat, alongside indigenous technology, economic progress, national security and self-reliance.