Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for extending warm wishes on India’s 79th Independence Day, while earnestly hoping for a future of “peace, progress, and prosperity” for Ukraine. In a post on X, Modi highlighted the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

Zelenskyy had earlier congratulated India, President Droupadi Murmu, and PM Modi, noting a recent “candid conversation” where he personally conveyed his best wishes. He emphasized the common values of freedom, dignity, and development that both countries uphold and expressed hope for India’s role in global peace efforts, particularly in resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Independence Day greetings poured in from global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, underscoring India’s growing diplomatic stature.

In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, PM Modi outlined an ambitious vision for “Naya Bharat” (New India), aiming to transform the nation into a developed country by 2047. Key announcements included plans for India’s first semiconductor chip production, jet engine development, a ₹1 lakh crore youth employment scheme, and a tenfold expansion of the nuclear program. The newly unveiled Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana aims to create 3.5 crore jobs, offering ₹15,000 to youth upon securing their first employment.