Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with schoolchildren at the Red Fort after delivering his address to the nation on the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day.

As soon as the Prime Minister concluded his speech, a group of schoolchildren dressed in white, green and saffron rushed towards him. Modi stopped to interact with them and shook hands with several children, creating an emotional moment at the culmination of his Independence Day address.

The Prime Minister had earlier led the national Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. He hoisted the National Flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort and addressed the nation, outlining his vision for a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

This year's celebrations carried special significance as the country marked 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. For the first time, the National Song was rendered as part of the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort.

The Prime Minister said the occasion was historic and linked the spirit of 'Vande Mataram' with India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

During his address, Modi emphasised the need for collective efforts to build a self-reliant and developed India. He said the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 represents the aspirations of more than 140 crore Indians.

(ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India's influence and standing across the world have been increasing on several fronts, with the country emerging as a widely accepted and respected nation in the international community.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said India's stable political mandate, stable government, vibrant democracy, strong judiciary and the Constitution have contributed to strengthening the country's position globally.

"Today, India is emerging in the eyes of the world as a widely accepted and respected nation. India possesses a stable political mandate, a stable government, a vibrant democracy, a robust judiciary, and guiding all of us is the Constitution of India. The world has now truly begun to recognise these intrinsic strengths of ours," he said.

PM Modi also highlighted the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and trade partnerships India has finalised with several countries since 2014.

#WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "We are standing tall and moving forward, relying on our own strength. Everyone has been affected by global crises, and we are no exception. Globally, the price of a single sack of urea soared… pic.twitter.com/QnSgIeNI3Z

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

#WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "For the past 10-12 years, we have been continuously striving to achieve the goal of 2047, successfully reaching one milestone after another. We had not even imagined that we would have to face… pic.twitter.com/afeOCz9ZTK

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "In the coming 5 to 7 years, we need to achieve what could not be done in the last 5 to 7 decades. In the coming years, the government is moving towards reform - reform in thinking and reforming our aims." pic.twitter.com/gs3zeTWslS

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

India has a stable political mandate and a stable government.

We have a strong judicial system and a Constitution that continues to guide us.

The world is recognising India’s capabilities. That is why, since 2014, India has entered into Free Trade Agreements with almost 40… pic.twitter.com/FEP63IU1DO

— BJP (@BJP4India) August 15, 2026

#WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... Nuclear energy is a major means of energy security. We have paved the way towards a new goal by passing the 'Peace Act' in Parliament. By 2047, we are moving forward with the target of 100… pic.twitter.com/yqkfEASmeP

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The youth have a big role in the journey to become a Viksit Bharat. The biggest beneficiaries of Viksit Bharat will be the youth of the country." pic.twitter.com/0QHxZajqWc

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

"India has a stable political mandate, a stable government, a vibrant democracy, a strong judicial system and a Constitution that guides us all. The recent trade agreements we have signed provide a great opportunity for us. I want to tell our MSMEs that we must not miss this… pic.twitter.com/h4vKiDuuCr

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

#WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... Becoming an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' is crucial. That is why, over the past few years, our conviction has been that India should no longer live in dependence on other nations; we must become… pic.twitter.com/DI9GV1xx1M

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

For years, India discussed semiconductors, but lacked large-scale semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

Recognising the strategic importance of chips, India has taken decisive steps towards self-reliance, with three semiconductor plants now underway. Exports have already… pic.twitter.com/lUC0c1ZDMr

— BJP (@BJP4India) August 15, 2026

#WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "In the last 12 years, defence production has increased nearly fourfold, while output from Khadi and village industries has grown almost fivefold. Electronics manufacturing has expanded nearly… pic.twitter.com/fTTFbuHYvM

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

Addressing the nation on the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi says, "12 years ago, piped gasline was available in only 70 cities. In the last 12 years, this number has grown to 700 cities. Today, 1.75 crore households are connected to piped gas lines in the country." pic.twitter.com/9Dor216igE

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

#WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The country gained independence—independence accompanied by many dreams. Yet, we failed to pick up pace or gather momentum. We remained mired in an attitude of 'hoti hai,' 'chalti hai,' 'ho… pic.twitter.com/UgXO69JiXs

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

Addressing the nation on the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi says, "Energy security is the demand of the time. We are moving forward with the aim of 100 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2047. We aim to start five new nuclear reactors in this decade." pic.twitter.com/MdAy1t3ZMr

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

It is our conviction that India must not be dependent on other countries. We must become self reliant.

We have to strengthen our capabilities and protect our national interests. That is why, with the resolve of an #AtmanirbharBharat, we are moving forward.

Every Indian is… pic.twitter.com/ZUgLUOpiF8

— BJP (@BJP4India) August 15, 2026

#WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... Over the past 12 years, countless citizens—whether Dalits, the downtrodden, the marginalized, or tribals; whether rural or urban dwellers; the poor or the middle class; youth or the… pic.twitter.com/YT8btWXU6S

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

We were once counted among the “Fragile Five”. However, India has, within just 12 years, emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

After Independence, India had big dreams, but progress often fell short of the pace we aspired to achieve.

Today, India is moving ahead… pic.twitter.com/vWMq7Uiwrs

— BJP (@BJP4India) August 15, 2026

India has a big dream: to build a #ViksitBharat by 2047, powered by the strength and resolve of 140 crore Indians.

When the world’s most populous nation sets its sights on becoming a developed country, it sends a powerful message to the world and is reshaping how the world sees… pic.twitter.com/WcukLU6M3Q

— BJP (@BJP4India) August 15, 2026

#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation on the 80th Independence Day

PM Modi says, "Today, we are all celebrating the 80th Independence Day. Today, the chant of 'Vande Mataram' resonates in every heart. Today, the Tricolour flies in every home and… pic.twitter.com/rDDI57Xq5N

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

For the first time since Independence, the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ echoed from the Red Fort on August 15.

To all those affected by the floods, I want to assure the victim families that the entire nation stands with them in this hour of tragedy.

- PM @narendramodi… pic.twitter.com/Kql0rIWY89

— BJP (@BJP4India) August 15, 2026

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi says, "I pay my tributes to Bapu and all the freedom fighters and revolutionaries on this Independence Day." pic.twitter.com/2OXyF6UvE7

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियों, आज हम सब 80वां स्वतंत्रता दिवस मना रहे हैं।

आज हर दिल की धड़कन वंदे मातरम् के नाद से गूंज रही है।

आज हर घर तिरंगा है, हर मन तिरंगा है।

देश उत्साह और उमंग के साथ नए संकल्पों को लेकर आज आगे बढ़ रहा है।

- पीएम @narendramodi#IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/rzfL1Forll

— BJP (@BJP4India) August 15, 2026

#WATCH | Delhi: For the first time, the National Song Vande Mataram is rendered during Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi leads the 80th Independence Day Celebrations from the Red Fort. pic.twitter.com/miSIlH6Dki

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

Nearly 5,000 special guests from different walks of life, including women entrepreneurs, young innovators, farmers and beneficiaries of various government schemes, are in attendance at the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on Saturday.

The invitees included International Yoga Day volunteers, women entrepreneurs under the PM Mudra Yojana, beneficiaries of schemes including NAMASTE, PM AJAY and SEED, and best performing My Bharat volunteers.

Best performing beneficiaries of PMAY(U), street vendors under PM SVANidhi, urban sanitation workers under the Swachh Bharat Mission, best performing Delhi Metro workers, workers associated with Kartavya Path and Central Vista, staff of government hospitals in Delhi were also part of the gathering.

The special guests also included young innovators under national innovation programmes, scientists in different fields, cab drivers of Bharat Taxi in Delhi, interns under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme, and best performing start-ups supported under various government schemes.

Youth trained under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, best performing start-ups supported under Start-up India Seed Fund, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana beneficiaries and artisans under PM Vishwakarma scheme, as well as beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, were also invited.

Best performing farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) and students from Delhi government schools who performed well in various quizzes and competitions were among the other invitees.

(PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 80th Independence Day with his signature flair, sporting a traditional tie-and-dye red turban for his 13th consecutive address to the nation from the historic ramparts of the Red Fort.

PM Modi 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.

PM Modi's Independence Day turbans have evolved into a visual tradition of their own. Last year, he donned a vibrant Rajasthani leheriya turban that fluttered in hues of orange, yellow and green -- a nod to tradition and a symbol of India's rich cultural tapestry.

(PTI)

#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Guard of Honour at the Red Fort; PM Modi to lead the 80th Independence Day celebrations.

(Source: PMO/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/9mPHYg8yKN

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat on the 80th Independence Day

(Video source: PM Modi/ YouTube) pic.twitter.com/xIcfLPeDol

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। आज का यह दिन, भारत की स्वतंत्रता के लिए अपना सर्वस्व अर्पित करने वाले अनगिनत स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों के अदम्य साहस, त्याग और सर्वोच्च बलिदान का स्मरण करने का अवसर है। उनके संघर्ष ने हमें केवल राजनीतिक स्वतंत्रता ही नहीं, बल्कि…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 15, 2026

समस्त देशवासियों को स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।

स्वतंत्रता दिवस के अवसर पर माँ भारती की आजादी के लिए अपना सर्वस्व अर्पित करने वाले सभी वीर सेनानियों को कोटि-कोटि नमन करता हूँ।

आइए, इस स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर विकसित, समृद्ध और आत्मनिर्भर भारत के निर्माण को और गति देने का… pic.twitter.com/9QWOj9kTGV

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 15, 2026

We extend our best wishes to our friends across India as you celebrate this special day. The historic relationship between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy is consequential and far-reaching. We look forward to strengthening the U.S.-India partnership… pic.twitter.com/2WWWdRoChk

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) August 15, 2026

Today, we celebrate Bharat's 🇮🇳Independence Day. Though India and Israel differ in size, we share ancient heritage & national revival.
We are proud of the 🇮🇱 🇮🇳friendship & will continue to strengthen our partnership.
स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ! pic.twitter.com/RXbsbRpAbj

— 🇮🇱 Reuven Azar (@ReuvenAzar) August 15, 2026

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.

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.

Over the past… pic.twitter.com/lCX7TtHxi0

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) August 15, 2026

The 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.

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.

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, the officer said.

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.

(PTI)

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.

PM 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.

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. Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharat.…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2026

Security has been tightened in Delhi and Gurugram ahead of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, with security agencies on high alert across key locations.

Security has been particularly intensified at the Red Fort following a bomb threat email received ahead of Independence Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 80th Independence Day Celebrations from the Red Fort.

Security has also been put on high alert in Gurugram and other cities in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Security personnel and agencies are maintaining heightened vigilance at important locations as part of the arrangements for Independence Day.
Earlier on Friday, a bomb threat was received by the Delhi High Court through email, Joint Secretary of the Delhi High Court, Advocate Kunal, said.

The email threat was purportedly originated from Babar Khalsa Canada and contained references to Khalistan.

(ANI)