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)
80th I-Day LIVE | Congress hits back at PM Modi over 'dimaagi Naxals' attack
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort after hoisting the national flag, Modi said Naxalism and Maoism destroyed the future of several youth
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 7:13 AM IST
Gen Z vs Gen Z: Ideological war looms as India celebrates 80th I-Day
With a radical Gen Z faction waiting for orders even as the Modi govt smarts from students’ protest, all eyes will be on what the PM chooses to say from the Red Fort this year, writes Anand Sahay. Read his opinion piece here.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:13 AM IST
I-Day Special | A tale of two Indias: How the country has evolved in the decades since Independence
On the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, The Federal asks a Septuagenarian and a Gen Z to write about the India they saw growing up and their visions for the country’s future. A Septuagenarian recalls a newly Independent country’s journey. Read here.
A Gen Z recalls the country’s transformation in recent decades. Read here.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:11 AM IST
Kharge's I-Day message: India's constitutional values, democratic institutions have faced serious challenges
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said India's constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony have faced "serious challenges" over the last 10 years, as he called for full measure of equality and justice for the economically-weaker sections.
In his message to people on India's 80th Independence Day, Kharge said the country has travelled a long way, but many aspirations still remain unfulfilled.
"Warm greetings to all my fellow citizens on Independence Day. We pay our humble tribute to the countless freedom fighters who gave their all in the struggle for India's freedom. Their courage, sacrifice and unwavering faith in our nation continue to inspire us," the Congress chief said in his message to people posted on X.
India's journey over the last 79 years has been one of remarkable achievements, struggles and collective resolve, he added.
"We have travelled a long way, but as a nation, many aspirations still remain unfulfilled," Kharge said.
"For us, freedom was never merely liberation from British rule. It is the assurance bestowed upon every Indian by our Constitution -- of equality, dignity, justice and the freedom to speak without fear," the Congress chief said.
These values remain the greatest strength of India's democracy and the strongest safeguard of every citizen, he noted.
"Over the past decade, our Constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony have faced serious challenges," the Congress chief said.
"Our youth deserve opportunities to fulfil their aspirations. Our farmers deserve dignity and justice for their toil. Our women deserve equality, empowerment and an equal voice in shaping India's future. Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, minorities and economically weaker sections must receive the full measure of equality and justice promised by our Constitution," Kharge asserted.
On this Independence Day, the country's greatest resolve must be hope, he added.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:09 AM IST
Delhi on high alert for Independence Day; 25,000 personnel deployed
The national capital is on high alert in view of Independence Day celebrations, with more than 25,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel deployed across the city to maintain law and order, while a multi-layered security grid has been placed around the Red Fort, involving over 1,000 CCTV cameras and AI-based video analytics, a senior police officer said.
Elaborate security arrangements are in place around the historic Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag and address the nation.
"We have elaborate security arrangements, keeping in mind the incidents witnessed in the capital last year," Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia told PTI.
The security plan includes multiple layers of checking and screening at entry points and around the Red Fort, besides a dedicated anti-terror response mechanism to deal with any possible threat or emergency situation, the officer said.
More than 25,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel are deployed at strategic locations across the city, including the Red Fort and other sensitive areas.
"Advance liaison, mock drills and advance intimation have been carried out so that all agencies are prepared and there is a coordinated response in case of any emergency," Banthia said.
More than 1,000 CCTV cameras are deployed inside and outside the Red Fort to keep a close watch on the area. The cameras are linked to systems equipped with artificial intelligence-based video analytics, while live feeds are being monitored from a dedicated control room, he said.
The surveillance system will help security personnel detect suspicious activity, crowd-related issues and other law and order situations in real time, allowing response teams to act immediately, the DCP said.
"If a law and order situation emerges, we will respond immediately. Response teams are ready and deployed at strategic locations," Banthia said.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:09 AM IST
President Murmu approves 78 gallantry awards
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumously, to the personnel of the defence forces and central armed police forces on the eve of 80th Independence Day.
The awards included nine Kirti Chakras, 19 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to Shaurya Chakra, five Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals five Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
Kirti Chakra is India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award after Ashoka Chakra. Shaurya Chakra is the third-highest peacetime gallantry award.
The Kirti Chakra awardees are Lt Col Manoj Francis of 21 Para ((Special Forces) and Major Jitendra Rathee of 2 Para(Special Forces). The seven other Kirti Chakras were conferred posthumously.
- 15 Aug 2026 7:08 AM IST
PM Modi greets people on Independence Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted people on the occasion of Independence Day and said powered by 140 crore Indians, the country is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors.
Modi also paid tributes to the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule.
"Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day. We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule," the prime minister said in a post on X.
He said the dreams of the freedom fighters continue to inspire everyone as people work together to build a "Viksit Bharat".
"Powered by 140 crore Indians, our nation is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors. May this journey keep progressing at an even greater pace in the times to come," Modi said.
