As India gears up to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, preparations are in full swing at the Red Fort in Delhi. This year's celebration will feature a special flypast by the Indian Air Force (IAF), which will include the distinguished "Op Sindoor" flag.

The IAF will conduct a flypast over the Red Fort, with three helicopters flying in formation carrying the National Flag and the Operation Sindoor flag. As in previous years, the aircraft will also shower flower petals over the public. The flypast is a tradition during national events like Independence Day and Republic Day. This year, the inclusion of the Operation Sindoor flag marks the success of the operation launched on May 7.

Operation Sindoor was initiated in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 citizens. The operation highlights the valor of the armed forces. According to Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the IAF destroyed key Pakistani military assets in just 80 hours, including five fighter jets and a large AEW&C aircraft.

The Ministry of Defence has made Operation Sindoor the central theme of this year's Independence Day invitations. The invitation cards feature the operation's name and a sketch of the Chenab railway bridge, which was recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister and connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country by rail for the first time.

In preparation for the Independence Day celebrations, the Indian Armed Forces have been conducting full-dress rehearsals at the Red Fort. These rehearsals include synchronized marching drills by soldiers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as a ceremonial 21-gun salute with Indian-made Light Field Guns. The Delhi Traffic Police have issued a traffic advisory, with road closures and diversions around the Red Fort.

Security measures have been heightened around the Red Fort, with enhanced aerial surveillance and a ban on the use of 'Made in China' surveillance equipment. Around 15,000 personnel of the Delhi Police will be deployed at the Red Fort and surrounding areas.

The Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort will include Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising the National Flag and addressing the nation. Around 15 Defence personnel who took part in Operation Sindoor will be seated on the Red Fort rampart, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his address to the nation. The Armed Forces and Delhi Police will present a Guard of Honour. The event will also feature a 21-Gun Salute with Indian-made field guns.