India is set to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, with patriotic fervor and a renewed commitment to 'Swadeshi'. The celebrations will highlight the nation's journey towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation, with the theme "Naya Bharat".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations from the historic Red Fort in Delhi, where he will hoist the National Flag and address the nation. This will be Modi's 12th consecutive Independence Day address. The event will commence around 7:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) and will be broadcast live on various platforms, including Doordarshan, CNBCTV18, PIB YouTube channel, and the PMO's official YouTube page.
In her address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to freedom fighters and lauded India's democratic values. She emphasized India's economic resilience, noting the 6.5% GDP growth, infrastructure expansion, and key initiatives like Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The President called for a collective resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047.
A major highlight of this year's celebrations is the commemoration of the success of Operation Sindoor. Invitation cards for the event feature the Operation Sindoor logo and a watermark of the Chenab Bridge, symbolizing the rise of "Naya Bharat". President Murmu hailed Operation Sindoor as a landmark in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing the country's unity and growing self-reliance in the defense sector. She stated, "I believe Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example in humanity's fight against terrorism".
Operation Sindoor was launched in May 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian forces targeted nine terror facilities deep inside Pakistan, killing over 100 terrorists. The operation involved coordinated strikes by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In retaliation, Pakistan launched drone strikes, which were effectively countered by Indian air defense systems. India then retaliated by pounding 11 key military and radar sites in Pakistan.
To honor the heroes of Operation Sindoor, President Murmu has approved 127 Gallantry Awards and 40 Distinguished Service Awards. Officers from all three services who played key roles in the operation will be recognized. Several high-ranking officers will receive the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal. A total of 36 air warriors involved in Operation Sindoor have been awarded gallantry honors.
The spirit of 'Swadeshi' is another focal point of this year's Independence Day celebrations. President Murmu urged citizens to "buy and use Indian-made products" to strengthen the Swadeshi Movement. She noted that the idea of Swadeshi has been inspiring national endeavors like the Make-in-India initiative and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The President also highlighted the celebration of National Handloom Day on August 7, which commemorates the Swadeshi Movement launched in 1905.
Security has been tightened in the national capital ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. More than 20,000 personnel have been deployed, and CCTV cameras have been installed at the Red Fort and along all VVIP routes. The Delhi Metro will begin services at 4:00 AM on all lines to facilitate the public attending the ceremony.
Approximately 5,000 special guests from various walks of life have been invited to witness the celebrations at the Red Fort. These include the Indian contingent of Special Olympics 2025, winners of international sports events, and gold medalists of Khelo India Para Games.
As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, the nation is united in its resolve to build a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous future, honoring the sacrifices of its freedom fighters and celebrating its rich heritage.
