New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that self-reliance will pave the way for India to become a developed nation, asserting that the country must become self-reliant and protect its interests.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said, "Self-reliance will pave the way for India to become Viksit Bharat. We must become self-reliant and protect our interests. Today, every Indian is getting connected with initiatives of Make in India, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local."

"In the last 12 years, defence production has increased nearly fourfold, while output from Khadi and village industries has grown almost fivefold. Electronics manufacturing has expanded nearly se...