New Delhi, Aug. 14 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address could return to one of his signature themes: Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India.

He may present it as the centrepiece of the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) plan to propel India's $4-trillion economy-projected to be the world's fourth largest in 2025-26-towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, two people close to the matter said.

Against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical frictions, trade disputes, and recent military action, Modi is likely to frame economic resilience, defence capability, and strategic autonomy as the pillars of the country's way forward.

This year will mark Modi's 12th consecutive Independence Day speech from ...