Wearing a flowing cream turban striped with orange, white and green, the colors of the Indian flag, Modi addressed the nation from New Delhi’s 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort to mark the 75th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule. Modi said the world’s view of India is changing and he looks forward to the country’s help in solving global issues. After a 21-gun salute, reportedly fired with indigenously manufactured shells for the first time as part of Modi’s ‘Make In India’ industrial strategy, the prime minister said Indians must throw out “colonialism in our minds and habits ». “Hundreds of years of colonialism have limited our feelings, distorted our thoughts. When we see even the slightest thing related to colonialism in us or around us, we have to get rid of it,” Modi said in a 90-minute speech from the ramparts of the fort in the Indian capital, which was decorated with portraits of militants of freedom and are guarded by mechanical elephants. Partition map Modi also said that India must crush the “termite” of corruption and nepotism, follow an “India First” mantra and ensure that “in speech and conduct, we do nothing that degrades the dignity of a woman.” . “A self-reliant India is the responsibility of every citizen, every government, every unit of society,” he said. President Joe Biden in a statement marking India’s Independence Day said the US and India are indispensable partners and their partnership is based on a shared commitment to the rule of law and the promotion of human freedom and dignity. Biden said he was confident that “the two countries will continue to stand together to defend the rules-based order. promote greater peace, prosperity and security for our people; promote a free and open Indo-Pacific; and together to face the challenges we face around the world”. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Modi said India will be guided by the ideals of self-reliance and the spirit of international cooperation to achieve excellence in science and technology, create industries and achieve food and energy security. He said billions of dollars in investment are flowing into the country, turning it into a manufacturing hub. India’s efforts have already catapulted the country of 1.4 billion people into the ranks of top nations in information technology, pharmaceuticals, space science and civilian nuclear power. Modi said millions of people across the country are commemorating the 75th independence anniversary by hoisting orange, white and green national flags at their homes and businesses for three days as part of a government campaign to “awaken the spirit of patriotism in every heart”. Narendra Modi (centre) greets participants after addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi. Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Modi said the journey of the last 75 years had ups and downs with India fighting against all odds with resilience and perseverance. He asked the people to remove every trace of colonial mentality. The main opposition Congress party accused the Modi government of leaving opposition parties out of the celebrations. “There were special events in the historic Central Hall of parliament to commemorate the 25th, 50th and 60th anniversaries of India’s independence,” said Jairam Ramesh, a spokesman for the Indian National Congress party. “Unfortunately, nothing of the kind has been organized for the 75th anniversary, which has been reduced to an opportunity to glorify the Sarvaghianis,” using a term meaning “a person who knows everything” in reference to Modi. In his speech, Modi made no mention of India’s strained relations with its immediate neighbors Pakistan and China, or steps to improve relations. He called for unity among Indians but did not respond to pundits and critics who say the country is gradually drifting away from some democratic commitments and argue that the backsliding has accelerated since Modi came to power in 2014. They accuse his populist government of using unbridled political power to undermine democratic freedoms and engage in the pursuit of a Hindu nationalist agenda. Modi pledged to fight corruption and nepotism in the country’s politics, which he said were acting as termites eating away the gains of development. AP and AFP contributed to this report
