Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort and addressed the nation as India marked its 79th Independence Day.
In his 12th consecutive speech, this year, Modi said, “By bringing down the wall of Article 370 and realising the mantra of “one nation, one constitution,” we paid a true tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee.”
The Prime Minister also praised the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, stating that the mission struck “deep into Pakistani territory” and sent a strong message to India’s adversaries.
This year’s celebrations also honour the success of Operation Sindoor.
Earlier in the morning, Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi.
The theme for this year’s Independence Day is ‘Naya Bharat’, reflecting the government’s vision of achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) by 2047.
Modi delivered a 103-minute Independence Day address making it the longest speech by any prime minister in the country’s history. He surpassed his own record of 98 minutes set during the 78th Independence Day last year.
On India’s 79th Independence Day, Modi also became the only prime minister after Indira Gandhi to deliver 12 consecutive speeches from the Red Fort, standing second only to Jawaharlal Nehru, who addressed the nation 17 times in a row.
Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was received by defence minister Rajnath Singh, minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The defence secretary introduced him to Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi area.
{{/usCountry}}Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was received by defence minister Rajnath Singh, minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The defence secretary introduced him to Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi area.
{{/usCountry}}The Prime Minister received a ceremonial guard of honour from the National Flag Guard — comprising the Indian Air Force, Army, Navy, and Delhi Police — totalling 128 personnel, led by Wing Commander Arun Nagar.
Around 5,000 special guests attended the celebrations, including the Indian contingent of the Special Olympics 2025, international sports champions, gold medallists from the Khelo India Para Games, and top-performing farmers supported under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission.