President Droupadi Murmu Addresses the Nation on the Eve of the 80th Independence Day
- MGMMTeam
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President Droupadi Murmu delivered her annual address to the nation on August 14, 2026, on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day. The occasion marked the beginning of the country’s 80th year of independence. For the first time in this traditional ceremony, the full version of Vande Mataram was played before the address, followed by the national anthem. The President extended warm greetings to citizens in India and abroad and spoke on a wide range of themes covering national security, economic progress, social inclusion and the long-term vision of a developed India.
National Security and the Fight Against Terrorism
In her remarks on security, President Murmu made it clear that those who engage in terrorist activities or support them cannot expect to escape accountability. She stated that terrorists and their supporters would have to face the consequences of their actions no matter where they hide. She recalled Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025, that claimed 26 lives. Marking the completion of one year since the operation, the President said it had demonstrated the Indian Armed Forces’ capability to conduct precision strikes against terror networks and had conveyed a firm message of resolve.
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
The President described the decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with a country that harbours terrorism as a decisive step taken in the national interest, particularly for the welfare of farmers. The 1960 treaty, which regulates the sharing of waters of the Indus river system, was placed in abeyance following the Pahalgam attack. It will remain suspended until the other side credibly and irreversibly ends its support for cross-border terrorism.
Progress in Making India Free of Naxalism
Turning to internal security, President Murmu described the advancement towards a Naxal-free India as a major national achievement after decades of challenge. She noted that regions once affected by Left-wing extremism now display renewed enthusiasm and are experiencing inclusive development. Special reference was made to Bastar, where development has been accompanied by greater cultural participation, including events such as the Bastar Olympics that brought together athletes and artists from the region.
Economic Strength Amid Global Challenges
Despite warfare, instability and uncertainty in various parts of the world, the President said India’s economy continues to move forward as the fastest-growing major economy. Projections indicate that its growth rate will remain more than twice the average global growth rate. She attributed this resilience in part to the foundations strengthened by the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Inclusive Development and Social Progress
President Murmu highlighted the outcomes of inclusive development efforts over the past decade. More than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty. The free ration programme is ensuring food security for more than 80 crore beneficiaries. Nearly 59 crore people have been brought into the formal banking system under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, of whom more than 32 crore are women. Under Ayushman Bharat, free healthcare coverage of up to five lakh rupees per year has been extended to around 60 crore people. The target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis has been achieved, and work is under way to create three crore more.
Vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047
The President reiterated the national goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. She stressed that the benefits of development must reach every citizen as India advances on the path of becoming a modern nation. She also pointed to the country’s digital transformation, describing its digital infrastructure as among the best in the world and noting that a significant share of global real-time digital transactions now takes place in India.
Access to Justice and Collective Contribution
Access to justice received special emphasis in the address. President Murmu said it is the responsibility of every person associated with the judicial system to ensure that no one is deprived of justice because of a lack of financial resources. She acknowledged the contributions of students, teachers, scientists, healthcare workers, farmers, sportspersons, artisans, civil servants and many other sections of society to nation-building, and underlined the continuing spirit of public participation that forms part of India’s democratic tradition.
The MGMM Outlook
President Droupadi Murmu’s address on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day highlighted a confident and forward-looking India, combining national security with economic resilience, inclusive development and the larger ambition of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Her emphasis on Operation Sindoor, action against terrorism, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and progress towards a Naxal-free India reflected the country’s growing determination to protect its national interests while maintaining focus on development.
The address also underlined the impact of welfare, financial inclusion, healthcare, women’s empowerment and digital transformation, while recognising the contributions of citizens across different sections of society. As India enters its 80th year of independence, the message is one of continued national progress, stronger self-reliance and collective participation, with the goal of ensuring that economic growth and development reach every section of society and strengthen the foundation for a developed India by 2047.
(Sources: India Today, Business Standard, The New Indian Express)
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