President Murmu addresses nation on eve of 80th Independence Day

Independence Day 2026 Droupadi Murmu Indus Waters Treaty Operation Sindoor Indian economy

On the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, highlighting significant socio-economic progress and national security priorities. In a historic first, the address commenced with the playing of ‘Vande Mataram’.

Addressing economic growth, the President noted that India’s economy is projected to grow at more than twice the global average despite international instability. She highlighted the country’s digital leadership, stating that India accounts for over half of the world’s real-time digital transactions. Key welfare achievements cited included lifting over 250 million people out of poverty, providing food security to 800 million citizens through free rations, and offering healthcare coverage via the Ayushman Bharat scheme to 600 million people.

On national security, President Murmu emphasized the strength of the armed forces, referencing ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a demonstration of India’s capability to conduct precise strikes against terrorist networks. She issued a warning that terrorists and their supporters would face consequences regardless of where they hide. Furthermore, she characterized the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with countries harboring terrorism as a decisive step in the national interest, particularly for the benefit of farmers.

The President also addressed the need for reforms in the examination system to ensure fairness and transparency for the nation's youth, following recent controversies regarding paper leaks.

Entities

Akashvani · Doordarshan · Droupadi Murmu · India · Indus Waters Treaty · Narendra Modi · Operation Sindoor · Rashtrapati Bhavan · Red Fort

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] The Ayushman Bharat scheme provides up to ₹500,000 in annual free medical services to 600 million people. udaipurkiran.com · pragativadi.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Under Jan Dhan Yojana, nearly 590 million people are connected to the banking system, including 320 million women. udaipurkiran.com · pragativadi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Free rations are providing food security to over 800 million people. udaipurkiran.com · www.tv9hindi.com · pragativadi.com
[● 4 SOURCES] India accounts for more than half of the world's real-time digital transactions. udaipurkiran.com · www.tv9hindi.com · www.jantakiawaz.org · pragativadi.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The President characterized making the country Naxal-free as a major national achievement. www.tv9hindi.com
[● 4 SOURCES] More than 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade. www.news18.com · udaipurkiran.com · www.tv9hindi.com · pragativadi.com
[● 5 SOURCES] Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with countries that harbor terrorists is a decisive step for national interest and farmers. www.tv9hindi.com · www.jantakiawaz.org · hindi.newsbytesapp.com · www.dnaindia.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was played before the President’s address for the first time in history. www.news18.com · hindi.newsbytesapp.com