The Imperial March is synonymous with Star Wars' Darth Vader and the evil Galactic Empire, but not perhaps the theme tune you'd think of when talking about Indian tax reform.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left a vast crowd and television audience baffled when he decided to exit the stage to the infamous leitmotif after giving a speech on tax reform.

Modi was addressing the Institute of Chartered Accountants on Saturday 1 July, as he introduced a new nationwide goods and services tax to help replace the current system which varies from state to state.

In what is expected to be the biggest reform of the Indian tax system since they gained independence in 1947, Modi was met with cheers and applause as he concluded his speech at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium.

As he waved to the crowds, John Williams's Imperial March from Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back boomed out from the loudspeakers.

The tax plans are set to bring major changes with the aim of unifying the Indian economy as well as bringing abut less tax evasion and tackle corruption.

Modi promised to reform the tax system back in 2014 when he took to power, it was a policy which was started by the previous administration.

Known to be a Star Wars fan, it's not the first time that Modi has referenced the sci-fi flicks in his speeches. He famously ended an address in New York using the phrase "may the force be with you."

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