India is celebrating its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation from the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. This marks his 12th consecutive Independence Day address since assuming office in 2014. The celebrations will center around the theme "Naya Bharat" (New India), symbolizing the nation's journey towards becoming a prosperous, secure, and self-reliant nation by 2047, aligning with the government's vision of "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India).
The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive at the Red Fort around 7:30 am, where he will inspect the Guard of Honour and hoist the national flag. The flag-hoisting ceremony will be accompanied by a 21-gun salute performed with indigenous 105 mm artillery guns and the recitation of the national anthem. Following the ceremony, at approximately 7:45 am, PM Modi will address the nation from the Red Fort's ramparts.
This year's Independence Day celebrations will prominently honor the success of "Operation Sindoor," a military operation that showcased India's defense capabilities. The Red Fort will be decorated with the operation's theme, with large Operation Sindoor logos displayed on the monument's walls. Invitation cards for the event also feature the Operation Sindoor logo, along with a watermark of the Chenab Bridge, symbolizing the rise of "Naya Bharat".
According to sources, PM Modi's speech is expected to focus on India's global vision, international partnerships, and the crucial role of the armed forces in safeguarding the nation. He is likely to highlight the courage and precision displayed during Operation Sindoor, which involved strikes to dismantle Pakistan's terror infrastructure in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Prime Minister may also announce central support for restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, following a proposal from the Union Territory's Governor.
In her eve-of-Independence Day address, 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 and praised Operation Sindoor as an example of humanity's fight against terrorism.
Security measures in Delhi have been significantly heightened for the Independence Day celebrations. Traffic restrictions will be in place from 4:00 am to 10:00 am in and around the Red Fort area, with key roads leading to the Red Fort closed until late morning. More than 20,000 security personnel have been deployed, and CCTV cameras with advanced Artificial Intelligence systems, including facial recognition, have been installed.
The Independence Day parade and PM Modi's address will be broadcast live on Doordarshan and streamed on platforms such as the Press Information Bureau's (PIB) YouTube channel, the Prime Minister's Office YouTube channel, ddnews.gov.in, pmindia.gov.in, and the National Informatics Centre's dedicated Independence Day website.
Following the Prime Minister's address, approximately 2,500 participants from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with "My Bharat" volunteers, will sing the National Anthem. They will be seated along Gyanpath, opposite the Red Fort ramparts, forming a living depiction of the Naya Bharat logo. Around 5,000 special invitees from various walks of life will attend the celebrations, including the Indian contingent of Special Olympics 2025, winners of international sports events, and gold medalists of Khelo India Para Games.
