India will be a developed country within 25 years, Narendra Modi vows in speech ignoring tense China, Pakistan ties
- India’s prime minister marked his country’s 75th independence anniversary with an 80-minute speech highlighting its increased global prominence
- He also called for unity and the removal of any trace of colonial mindset, but didn’t talk about Pakistan and China nor any steps to improve relations
Wearing a flowing, cream-coloured turban printed with small stripes of orange, white and green, the Indian prime minister addressed the country from New Delhi’s 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort to mark the 75th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule.
Modi said the world’s view of India was changing and it was looking towards the country to help resolve global issues.
He said India will be guided by the ideals of self-reliance and the spirit of international partnership to attain excellence in science and technology, set up industries, and attain food and energy security. He said billions of dollars in investment were flowing into the country turning it into a manufacturing hub.
India’s efforts have already launched the country of 1.4 billion people into the ranks of leading countries in information technology, pharmacy, space science and civil nuclear energy.
Modi said millions of people across the country were commemorating the 75th anniversary of independence by hoisting orange, white and green national flags at their homes and businesses for three days as part of a government campaign “of awakening the spirit of patriotism in every heart”.
India’s Parliament House, the presidential palace, national monuments and other government offices blazed with multicoloured lighting.