PM Modi's speech on Independence Day: Key highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the first Independence Day speech of his second term, said that the government has taken key steps to fulfil the aspirations of people across the nation.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said his government within 70 days of its second term had revoked Article 370 and 35A, doing the work that previous governments have been unable to do in the past 70 years.

Here are the highlights of his speech:

In 10 weeks of coming to power, we took key steps to fulfil aspirations of people, says PM; Cites decision on triple talaq, Article 370.

The Prime Minister said that while  2014-19 was an era to fulfil people's needs, the time since 2019 is about meeting their aspirations and dreams.

 One nation, one constitution spirit has become a reality and India is proud of it, said PM.

On triple talaq, Modi said that the scrapping of triple talaq will help Muslim women live a better life and that the decision should not be seen through a political prism. "If we can take steps against 'Sati' custom, female foeticide and dowry, then why not against instant triple talaq," he said.

We neither nurse problems nor keep them pending. said the PM on the decision to remove provisions of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir.

Different governments made efforts in 70 years to deal with Kashmir, but it did not bear results; a new approach was needed, he said.

Why did those who are supporting Article 370 make it a permanent provision for Jammu & Kashmir and kept it a temporary measure, Modi asked.

Discussions should now be held on one nation one election, it is imperative to make the country great, the PM said.

Politics comes and goes but steps in the interest of the nation are paramount, the PM added.

PM announces the creation of Chief of Defence Staff to ensure coordination and provide effective leadership to three services.

PM announces 'Jal Jivan' mission to make drinking water available to all households; the government will spend Rs 3.5 lakh crore for it.

Modi refers to the issue of "population explosion"; says it leads to many difficulties.

"We have to be concerned about the population explosion. Centre, as well as state governments, should launch schemes to tackle it."

India is strongly fighting against those supporting terrorism.

India is not the only target of terrorism in the region. Countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have also been affected.

 PM Modi condoled the death of people in recent floods and assured affected people of all help.

GST brought to life the dream of one nation, one tax. India has also achieved one nation, one grid in the energy sector, stated the Prime Minister.

The government should have a minimal role in people's lives.

Let our people have the freedom of pursuing their own aspirations, let the right eco-system be made in this regard.

Our aim is to reach among the first 50 nations in ease of doing business.

India does not want to wait too long for incremental progress. A high jump is needed, our thought process has to be expanded.

We have to keep in mind the global best practices and build good systems

We have decided to invest Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure building.

India can become a 5 trillion dollar economy in the next five years.

PM calls for improving exports to get more share in the world economy.

There is huge scope to improve our tourism sector.

Our government has contained price rise and boosted growth rate.

Wealth creation is important for us as only then wealth distribution will happen; need to respect those who create wealth.

PM Modi calls for making India plastic-free.

PM urged people to accord priority to local products for a better tomorrow.

Modi urged people to visit at least 15 tourist destination within India by 2022.