External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday extended Independence Day greetings to Indians across the world, highlighting the country’s growing “Atmavishwas, Atmagaurav and Atmanirbharta” over the past 12 years.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 was being driven by progress, reforms and the collective efforts of its citizens.
“Best wishes to Indians across the world on Independence Day 2026. The last 12 years have witnessed our Atmavishwas, Atmagaurav and Atmanirbharta,” he said.
The External Affairs Minister also hoisted the National Flag at his official residence as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
He said India’s journey of progress and reforms was being guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Saptadhara’, adding that the country’s youth, women, farmers and workers would be key partners in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
“Guided by PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Saptadhara, we are steadfast in our journey of progress and reforms for Viksit Bharat 2047. Bharat’s Yuva, Nari, Annadata and Shramik will be key partners in realising that vision,” Jaishankar said.
Meanwhile, Nepal Foreign Minister Shishir Kanal extended warm greetings to Jaishankar, the Government of India and the people of India on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.
“I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to EAM S Jaishankar, the friendly people and the Government of India on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day of India,” Kanal said in a post on X.
Highlighting the close ties between the two neighbouring countries, the Nepal Foreign Minister said Nepal and India share deep historical and civilisational ties, close people-to-people relations and a multifaceted partnership.
“May these bonds continue to grow even stronger in the days ahead,” he added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled ‘Shakti Ki Saptadhara’ during his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, outlining seven key strengths that would drive India’s next phase of growth and shape the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
The seven pillars identified by the Prime Minister are manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, connectivity and infrastructure, defence production, green energy and India’s soft power.
On manufacturing, PM Modi called for India to become a reliable hub in global supply chains, with a focus on cost, quality and scale.
On agriculture and food processing, he said global markets were opening up for Indian farmers and called for taking Indian products from farms to export markets, with traditional cuisine, millets, spices, fruits and flowers becoming global brands.
The third pillar, technology and innovation, includes areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, robotics, space and data centres. PM Modi highlighted India’s achievements in UPI and Digital Public Infrastructure and called for expanding digital public technologies globally, along with leadership in next-generation communication technologies such as Made-in-India 6G.
On connectivity and infrastructure, the Prime Minister called for seamless, high-speed infrastructure, including high-speed rail, modern highways, inland waterways, airports, multimodal logistics hubs and ports, while emphasising port-led development.
Defence production forms the fifth pillar, with PM Modi calling for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing and next-generation defence technologies. He said India must move from being a market for the world to becoming a global supplier.
The sixth pillar is green energy, with the Prime Minister calling for global leadership in green hydrogen, renewable energy and energy storage. He also highlighted opportunities in the Blue Economy, including fisheries, coastal tourism and ocean technology.
The seventh pillar is India’s soft power. PM Modi highlighted Yoga, Ayurveda, handicrafts, culture, films, animation, gaming and digital content as areas with significant global potential.
He also highlighted India’s national parks and tourism potential, saying the country could attract more foreign visitors through the strength of its soft power.
Earlier, PM Modi hoisted the National Flag at the Red Fort, with the ceremony synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the ceremonial gunners of the 1721 Field Battery.
The ceremonial battery used indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns and was commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat, while Naib Subedar (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Anuthosh Sarkar served as the Gun Position Officer.
-ANI
