Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation during the 80th Independence Day celebrations, at Red Fort in New Delhi, on Saturday (August 15). (@narendramodi/YT via PTI Photo)
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The nation is commemorating the 80th Independence Day today (August 15), with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations at the Red Fort complex in Delhi amid patriotic fervour and multi-layer security.
For the first time, the National Song, 'Vande Mataram', was rendered during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.
Also read: Gen Z vs Gen Z: Ideological war looms as India celebrates 80th I-Day
Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Modi exhorted Indians to dream big to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047, saying the world will be forced to look at the country differently as "we work towards achieving this dream".
Tributes to freedom fighters
He said 'Vande Mataram' was echoing from the ramparts of Red Fort for the first time since independence. He also paid rich tributes to freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, and remembered their sacrifices.
Also read: A tale of two Indias: How the country has evolved in the decades following Independence
“Small dreams are not sufficient anymore… we should dream big… India has a big dream to become ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. When the world’s most populous nation resolves to become developed, the world will look at us differently,” he said.
“Our dreams, resolves should be big as this takes capabilities to greater heights,” he said.
Also read: A tale of two Indias: How the country has transformed in the past two-and-a-half decades
Powered by 140 crore Indians, India is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors, Modi said.
Modi sports red tie-and-dye turban
“Every heart is vibrating with Vande Mataram. There is a tricolour in every house, every heart. With a new energy, the nation is moving ahead with new resolve,” he said.
Modi sported a traditional tie-and-dye red turban for his 13th consecutive address to the nation from the historic ramparts of the Red Fort. He paired his white kurta and chocolate brown vest with the traditional turban, common in Rajasthani and Gujarati culture. He also sported three pocket squares of saffron, green and white colours.
Earlier in the morning, he hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort after receiving a guard of honour.
An Army band played the tune of Vande Mataram as guests present on the occasion sung the national song. Flower petals were showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force - one trooping the national flag and the other carrying a flag depicting 'Vande Mataram'.
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Live Updates
- 15 Aug 2026 7:53 AM IST
India has a big dream to become a developed nation by 2047: PM Modi
The world had dumped India's economy in "fragile five". People's efforts have resulted in taking India from fragile five to major economy in the last 12 years, says PM Modi.
"Today, India has a big dream to become a developed nation by 2047. When the world's most populous country takes the resolution to become a developed nation, it becomes an introduction of our courage, and the world is compelled to look at us with a different perspective," he added.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:49 AM IST
In a first, Vande Mataram rendered during 80th I-Day celebrations at Red Fort
In a first for Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' was rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary of the historic occasion on August 15, followed by the recitation of the national anthem at the grand event.
The mega function commemorates 150 years of the enduring legacy of the national song, 'Vande Mataram', as floral decoration on the ramparts depicted the national flag at the centre flanked by 'Vande Mataram' in Hindi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort amid patriotic fervour and multi-layer security.
An Army band played the tune of 'Vande Mataram' as the guests present on the occasion sung the national song. This was followed by the prime minister hoisting the national flag, and then the national anthem was recited.
After the flag hoisting, the tricolour received a 'Rashtriya Salute'.
After that, flower petals were be showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force -- one trooping the national flag and the other carrying a flag depicting 'Vande Mataram'.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:47 AM IST
PM Modi: Chants of 'Vande Mataram' resonates in every heart
PM Modi says, "Today, we are all celebrating the 80th Independence Day. Today, the chants of 'Vande Mataram' resonates in every heart. Today, the Tricolour flies in every home and dwells in every mind; the nation is moving forward with enthusiasm and zeal, embracing new resolutions."
- 15 Aug 2026 7:43 AM IST
PM Modi addresses nation from ramparts of Red Fort
PM Modi, after hoisting the National Flag, begins his speech from the ramparts of Red Fort.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:39 AM IST
PM Modi hoists National Flag at Red Fort
PM Modi hoists the National Flag at Red Fort.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:34 AM IST
PM receives Guard of Honour at Red Fort
PM Modi receives Guard of Honour at Red Fort.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:33 AM IST
PM Modi to inspect Guard of Honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inspect the Guard of Honour at Red Fort.
The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 personnel each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. The Indian Army is the coordinating service for the Independence Day Celebrations this year. The Guard of Honour will be commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Arjun Singh. The Army contingent in the Prime Minister’s Guard will be commanded by Major Aditya Sharma, the Naval contingent by Lieutenant Commander Neelam Rana and the Air Force contingent by Squadron Leader Vipin Kumar. The Delhi Police contingent will be commanded by Additional DCP Shri Vineet Kumar.
After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort. The General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi area, will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais on the ramparts to hoist the National Flag.
Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan will assist the Prime Minister in hoisting the National Flag. It will be synchronised with the 21-Gun Salute by the valiant gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery, utilising the indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns, will be commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat and the Gun Position Officer will be Naib Subedar (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Anuthosh Sarkar.
The National Flag Guard, comprising one officer and 32 Other Ranks each from the Army, Navy & Air Force and Delhi Police, will present the Rashtriya Salute at the time of hoisting of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. Major Lokendra Singh Shekhawat will be in command of this Inter-Services Guard and Police Guard.
The Army Contingent in the National Flag Guard will be commanded by Major Vikas Yadav, the Naval contingent by Lieutenant Commander Abhilash and the Air Force Contingent by Squadron Leader Umesh G. The Delhi Police contingent will be commanded by Additional DCP Shri Vikas Meena.
After being hoisted, the Tricolour will receive a ‘Rashtriya Salute’. The Army band, consisting of one JCO and 25 Other Ranks, will play the tune of ‘Vande Mataram’ and the national song will be sung by everyone present at Red Fort. It will be followed by the recitation of the National Anthem. The Band will be conducted by Subedar Ishwar Singh.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:21 AM IST
PM Modi arrives at Red Fort
PM Narendra Modi received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and others at Red Fort.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:18 AM IST
US Secretary of State Rubio greets India on Independence Day
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has greeted the people of India on its 80th Independence Day, asserting that the bilateral ties were stronger than ever due to the personal relationship between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a statement issued here on Friday, Rubio said the deep ties of friendship and family between the people of the two countries form the foundation of a partnership that is innovative, resilient and forward looking.
"On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm congratulations to the people of India on their Independence Day," Rubio said.
"Thanks to the personal relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the US-India relationship continues to grow and is stronger than ever," the US secretary of state said.
Rubio said from defence and energy security to critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation, and commerce, US-India collaboration is making both nations, and the broader Indian Ocean region, safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
"The deep ties of friendship and family between our two peoples form the foundation of a partnership that is innovative, resilient, and forward-looking. The United States looks forward to the future our two countries will build together," Rubio said.
Several states across the US have issued special proclamations to commemorate August 15, 2026, as 'India Day' to mark the country's independence, highlighting the growing contribution of its diaspora to the American fabric.
A number of senators, Congress members, lawmakers and city councils have extended greetings on India's Independence Day.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:15 AM IST
PM Modi pays floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi
PM Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Rajghat on 80th Independence Day.
