New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- From the iconic Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered arguably one of his most forward-looking speeches, outlining a series of strategic commitments which he said would anchor India's transformation into a Viksit Bharat (developed nation) by the centenary of independence in 2047.

Marking his 12th Independence Day address - the most by any Indian Prime Minister - the 105-minute speech, the longest he has delivered from this platform, laid out concrete deliverables with measurable timelines and long-term structural impact.

Recounting how earlier attempts to set up semiconductor plants had been "killed at birth" decades ago while other nations surged ahead, the Prime Minister an...