“India has gained a new strategic strength in recent years and today our borders are more secure than ever,” said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his address to the nation from the ramparts of historic Red Fort, Delhi on the 77th Independence Day on August 15, 2023. He reiterated the Government’s unwavering resolve to ensure national security amid the current global security scenario, asserting that a number of military reforms are being undertaken to modernise the Armed Forces and make them young & battle ready to deal with all future challenges.

The Prime Minister also emphasised that the people of the country feel safe today as there has been a drastic decline in the number of terrorist attacks. When the country is peaceful and secure, new goals of development are achieved, he said.

The Prime Minister also referred to the One Rank One Pension scheme, a long-pending demand of defence pensioners, which was implemented by the Government as soon as it came to power. “OROP was a matter of respect for the soldiers of our country. We implemented it when we came to power. Rs 70,000 crore have reached the ex-servicemen and their families today,” he added.

The Prime Minister extended the Independence Day wishes to the Armed Forces personnel at the borders, who ensure that the country is secured and its interests are safeguarded.  

On the eve of Independence Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his radio address to soldiers said that taking care of soldiers is the Government’s big responsibility.

“The Armed Forces can give their best only when they are provided with the best equipment and training. These steps boost the morale of the soldiers, help them overcome challenges & emerge victorious. Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is leaving no stone unturned to provide the military with world-class equipment & training, so that the country can overcome all future challenges. New branches and trades are being created according to the new emerging needs,” the Raksha Mantri said.

Rajnath Singh added that today the Armed Forces are being trained with simulators & other modern techniques and their capabilities are being enhanced through several exercises with friendly countries across the globe, Training on niche systems, newly developing technologies and changing concepts of warfare is the need of the hour. For this, necessary steps are being taken to train a large number of personnel within the country as well as abroad, wherever the best training is available,” he said.

Highlighting various welfare measures taken for the veterans in recent years, the minister said, special attention is being paid to ensure a dignified life for the soldiers not only during service but even after retirement. “Taking care of those who care for us by risking their lives is our responsibility. The government has taken several measures in the last nine years to empower the soldiers after their retirement,” he said.

Rajnath Singh pointed out that the long-pending demand of the Armed Forces for the One Rank One Pension scheme was fulfilled by the Government as soon as it came to power in 2014. “The scheme has been revised this year and an amount of Rs 8,413 crore has been paid to more than 17 lakh pensioners,” he said.

World leaders extended warm Independence Day greeting to  people of India. President of Russia Vladimir Putin, in a congratulatory message to President of India Draupadi Murmu, applauded India for its all round success. 

"India enjoys well-earned respect on the world arena and plays an important constructive role in international affairs," Russian President said in the message released by Kremlin.

"We attach great importance to the relations of the special and privileged strategic partnership with New Delhi. I am confident that with joint efforts we will further enhance fruitful bilateral cooperation in all areas and constructive partnership in solving topical issues of the regional and global agenda. This, undoubtedly, meets the core interests of our friendly nations and contributes to security and stability of the planet," the president added.