PM Modi Announces Next-Gen GST Reforms as Diwali Gift, Warns Pakistan Against ‘Nuclear Blackmail’

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address on Friday to blend economic relief with a show of military resolve — announcing sweeping next-generation GST reforms this Diwali, while also delivering a sharp warning to Pakistan in the wake of Operation Sindoor.

Speaking from the Red Fort, Modi said the GST system, introduced eight years ago, is now due for a major upgrade. The reforms, billed as a “double Diwali” gift, aim to cut taxes, simplify compliance, and boost consumption. “This Diwali, I am going to make it a double Diwali for you… We are bringing next-generation GST reforms. This will reduce the tax burden across the country,” he said, promising benefits for traders, industries, and MSMEs alike.

The economic announcement was paired with a forceful message on national security. Referring to Operation Sindoor, Modi praised the armed forces for delivering a decisive blow to Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. “Our brave soldiers punished enemies beyond their imagination… The terrorists carried out bloodshed, so we punished our enemies,” he said, adding that India’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness.

In his most direct statement yet on nuclear threats, the Prime Minister declared that “nuclear blackmail” would no longer be tolerated. “If our enemies persist in such attempts, our armed forces will respond… on their own terms, at a time of their choosing, and by achieving the objectives they set,” he warned.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address on Friday to blend economic relief with a show of military resolve — announcing sweeping next-generation GST reforms this Diwali, while also delivering a sharp warning to Pakistan in the wake of Operation Sindoor.

Speaking from the Red Fort, Modi said the GST system, introduced eight years ago, is now due for a major upgrade. The reforms, billed as a “double Diwali” gift, aim to cut taxes, simplify compliance, and boost consumption. “This Diwali, I am going to make it a double Diwali for you… We are bringing next-generation GST reforms. This will reduce the tax burden across the country,” he said, promising benefits for traders, industries, and MSMEs alike.

The economic announcement was paired with a forceful message on national security. Referring to Operation Sindoor, Modi praised the armed forces for delivering a decisive blow to Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. “Our brave soldiers punished enemies beyond their imagination… The terrorists carried out bloodshed, so we punished our enemies,” he said, adding that India’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness.

In his most direct statement yet on nuclear threats, the Prime Minister declared that “nuclear blackmail” would no longer be tolerated. “If our enemies persist in such attempts, our armed forces will respond… on their own terms, at a time of their choosing, and by achieving the objectives they set,” he warned.