Modi says India aims to become developed nation in 25 years

Gulf Today Report

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the nation on the 75th anniversary of Independence Day.

Narendra Modi, who took over as the country's Prime Minister in 2014, is addressing the countrymen from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the ninth consecutive time.

The prime minister on Monday pledged to work with vigor to turn poverty-ridden India into a developed country in the next 25 years.

READ MORE

Former Pakistan PM wants friendly relationship with US, not slavery

Pak expats celebrate 75th Independence Day in UAE

Wearing a flowing, cream-colored turban printed with small stripes of orange, white and green, Narendra Modi 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.

He said the world's view of India was changing and it was looking toward the country to help resolve global issues.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures after addressing the nation in New Delhi on Monday. AFP

Modi 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.”