Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed India's biggest tax reform in eight years to lower consumption levies on everyday goods and small cars from October, in a move seen as boosting his his image amid trade tension with Washington.

During his Friday speech, Modi also hinted India would continue its unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. The treaty, which India suspended after the April massacre, allows sharing of the Indus River that runs about 2,897 kilometers (1,800 miles) through South Asia and is a lifeline for both countries.

Calling the interaction “a proud moment,” Modi later posted on X, “Had a great interaction with Shubhanshu Shukla. We discussed a wide range of subjects including his experiences in space, progress in science & technology as well as India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission. India is proud of his feat.”

India would not accept any compromise when it comes to the interests of its farmers, cattle-rearers and fishermen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday as the country wrestles with steep tariffs imposed by the US following breakdown of trade talks.

India's 79th Independence Day 2025 President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi Speech Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from Red Fort, speaking about India's achievements in the past year.

According to sources, Modi asserted, "Nehru partitioned the country once, and then again. Under the Indus Waters Treaty, 80 per cent of the water was given to Pakistan. Later, through his secretary, Nehru admitted his mistake, saying that it brought no benefit."

India adopted the GST in 2017, sweeping in more than a dozen domestic state taxes in a bid to unify the economy on the principle of "one nation, one tax, one market". It was hailed as the biggest tax reform since independence from Britain in 1947.

PM Narendra Modi welcomed astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla at his residence, celebrating his successful ISS mission. Shukla shared ISS photos and presented Modi with the Axiom-4 mission patch.