New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday declared from the ramparts of the Red Fort that India aims to make five nuclear reactors operational in this decade, since energy security remains crucial in modern times.

"Energy security is the demand of the time. With the SHANTI Act passed in Parliament, we have created the framework to achieve our goal. Our goal is to achieve 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity. We aim to start five new nuclear reactors in this decade," the PM said in his address to the nation on 80th Independence Day.

"It is our conviction that India must not be dependent on other countries. We must become self-reliant. We have to strengthen our capabilities and protect our national interests. That ...