India, Aug. 15 -- Atmanirbharta (self reliance) is the foundation of Viksit Bharat (developed India) and over-dependence on foreign powers can cloud freedom itself, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, underlining that enhancing national security was a core mission to build a prosperous country by the centenary of independence in 2047.

In his customary address to the nation on Independence Day, Modi outlined an expansive vision for the next few decades with self-reliance and defence as its pillars, made a string of big-bang reform commitments especially in easing compliance and simplifying Goods and Services Tax, announced a high-powered mission to deal with infiltration, flagged global economic selfishness, and underlined his go...