NEW DELHI: The Red Fort, on the occasion of 79th Independence Day, became a centre stage to hail the success of Operation Sindoor, which was conducted by armed forces targeting terror sites in Pakistan and PoK. As PM Modi arrived at the Red Fort to address the nation, two Mi-17 helicopters flew above the historic place, showering flower petals. One flew with the Tiranga, and the other displayed the banner of Operation Sindoor.

In a stern message to Pakistan from Red Fort, PM Modi said t ..

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NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge over their absence from the official Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort on Friday.Rahul Gandhi is the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Mallikarjun Kharge holds the same post in the Rajya Sabha — both official positions whose holders mostly attend the event.

PM Modi’s Stern Warning to Pakistan After Nuclear Threat, Refuses To Resume Indus Waters Treaty”Rahul Gandhi, leader of opposition, was missing from the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. At the Congress HQ event, he appeared visibly disoriented. The nation deserves to know — is he well?” wrote BJP I-T cell chief Amit Malviya on X.He further said, “And why did he choose to skip the official ceremony? For someone in his position, such absence sends a poor message about his commitment to national occasions.”

There has been no official statement from the Congress party over the two leaders not attending the Red Fort ceremony.Earlier, Rahul Gandhi greeted the nation on X and wrote: “Happy Independence Day to all countrymen. This freedom, achieved by the sacrifice of great freedom fighters, is a pledge to build such an India — where justice is based on truth and equality, and there is respect and brotherhood in every heart. It is our duty to protect the pride and honour of this precious heritage. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also posted on social media and said, “Heartiest greetings and congratulations to all countrymen on Independence Day.

We pay our humble tribute to the countless great freedom fighters who made invaluable contributions to the national movement.”Today is an important day because we, the people of India, are now fighting for our rights, protection of constitutional institutions, social justice, economic empowerment, and brotherhood. Let us take this struggle forward together and pledge to protect the interests of every Indian. Jai Hind,” he further wrote.

On August 15, 2025, during India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, two Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 helicopters flew over the Red Fort, carrying a national Tiranga and a banner for Operation Sindoor while showering flower petals. This patriotic flypast, with the helicopters piloted by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal, honored the nation’s armed forces and added grandeur to the festivities led by Prime Minister Modi from the Red Fort. 

Op Sindoor powerful testament to  valour & precision of armed forces, says PM Modi

The Nation celebrates its 79th Independence Day today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Independence Day celebrations from the iconic Red Fort in Delhi and hoisted the National Flag.

        Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the iconic monument, Mr Modi saluted the brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor, saying that the Operation is a powerful testament to the valour and precision of the country’s armed forces. He said the government gave the Armed Forces a free hand, allowing them to strategise, set the target, and decide the timing.  The Prime Minister said, the country’s brave soldiers gave the enemies a befitting reply, beyond their imagination. He highlighted that the Indian Armed Forces attacked hundreds of kilometres into enemy territory in Pakistan and turned terrorist headquarters to dust. He said, every Indian was angered by the horrors perpetrated by terrorists in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor is the expression of their anger. Mr Modi said that India has now decided, blood and water will not flow together.

        The Prime Minister mentioned that the people of the country have now realised that the Indus Waters Treaty was unjust. He said that India will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail.                                 

        Prime Minister Modi said that India will launch Mission Sudarshan Chakra to create a powerful weapon system to thwart any attempt by enemies. Mr Modi said, in the next ten years, by 2035, this national security shield will be expanded, strengthened and modernised. He linked the mission to the legendary Shri Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra, highlighting how India draws inspiration from its rich cultural and mythological heritage to guide modern defence innovations.                     

        The Prime Minister underscored Atmanirbhar Bharat as one of the key foundational planks for Viksit Bharat, citing India’s advances in defence, technology, energy, space, and manufacturing. He hailed Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India’s defence self-reliance. Mr Modi emphasised that indigenous capabilities, including Made-in-India weapons, enable India to act decisively and independently, proving that national security cannot rely on foreign dependence.                 

        Mr Modi said he will stand like a wall to protect the interests of farmers and fishermen, and India will never compromise on their interests.        The Prime Minister announced the roll out of PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana with an outlay of around one lakh crore rupees for the youth of the country. Under this scheme, upto 15 thousand rupees will be given by the government as a one-month EPF wage incentive to newly employed youth in private sector. The payment will be given in two installments of six months each. Furthermore, upto 3000 rupees per month per new employee will be given to employers for creation of new job opportunities. The Government will incentivize employers for each additional employment hired for at least six months. For the manufacturing sector, incentives will be extended to the 3rd and 4th years as well. Mr Modi said, under this scheme, new employment opportunities will be created for three crore 50 lakh youth.

        The Prime Minister announced the introduction of Next-Generation GST reforms by this Diwali, aimed at reducing taxes on daily-use items. He said, the reform will bring relief to the common man, farmers, middle class and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and stimulate economic activity.

        The Prime Minister also announced the creation of a dedicated Reform Task Force to drive next-generation reforms. He said, its mandate is to accelerate economic growth, cut red tape, modernise governance, and prepare India for the demands of a 10 trillion dollar economy by 2047.                                

        Mr Modi highlighted the dangers of demographic imbalance due to infiltration and illegal migration in border areas. He announced the launch of a High-Powered Demography Mission to address this national security challenge, ensuring the unity, integrity, and rights of India’s citizens are safeguarded.

        Mr Modi pointed out that a large share of India’s budget still goes toward importing petrol, diesel, and gas. He announced the launch of the National Deepwater Exploration Mission to tap ocean resources, alongside major expansions in solar, hydrogen, hydro and nuclear power.               

        The Prime Minister highlighted India’s focus on expanding nuclear energy through private sector participation. He said that ten new nuclear reactors are currently operational. Mr Modi emphasized that by India’s 100th year of independence, the nation aims to increase its nuclear energy capacity tenfold, strengthening energy self-reliance and supporting sustainable growth.        The Prime Minister said, India will launch Made in India semiconductor chips by the end of this year, reflecting the nation’s growing strength in critical technology sectors. He emphasized innovation in AI, cybersecurity, deep-tech, and operating systems for global competitiveness.

        Celebrating the remarkable achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who has returned from the International Space Station, the Prime Minister announced ambitious plans for India’s very own space station, signalling a new era of indigenous space capabilities. Mr Modi mentioned that in the space sector, India is preparing for Gaganyaan. He highlighted that over 300 startups are actively innovating in satellites, exploration, and cutting-edge space technologies, ensuring that India is not just participating but leading globally in space science and exploration. Mr Modi appealed to the young scientists, talented youth, engineers, professionals and every department of the Government to produce Made-in-India fighter jet engines for the aircraft.                        

        The Prime Minister Modi saluted the dedication of RSS volunteers in serving the nation over past one hundred years. He said, with the resolve of Vyakti Nirman se Rashtra Nirman, Swayamsevaks dedicated their lives to the welfare of the country. He said, RSS is the biggest NGO of the world, which has a history of 100 years of dedication. The Prime Minister also interacted with special guests invited for the occasion and school students. The event culminated with the national anthem and the release of tricolours balloons. Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, the Prime Minister was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. Thereafter, Mr Modi received the Guard of Honour. As soon as the National Flag was hoisted by Prime Minister Modi, 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 trooping a flag depicting Operation Sindoor. Earlier, before reaching the Red Fort, Mr Modi visited Rajghat and paid tributes to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

Key Details

• Event:79th Indian Independence Day. 

The Nation will celebrate the 79^th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi leading the celebrations from the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. The Prime Minister will unfurl the National Flag and address the nation from the ramparts of the iconic monument. As the nation is making giant strides towards realising the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the theme of this year’s celebrations is Naya Bharat. The celebrations will serve as a platform to commemorate the continuing rise of a prosperous, secure & bold Naya Bharat and provide renewed power to surge further ahead on the path to progress.

The Ceremony

Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be received by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Defence Secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar to the Prime Minister. The GoC, Delhi Area will then conduct Shri Narendra Modi to the Saluting Base where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, the Prime Minister will inspect the Guard of Honour.

The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of 96 personnel (one officer & 24 personnel each from the Army, Navy, Air Force & Delhi Police. The Indian Air Force is the coordinating service for the Independence Day celebrations this year. The Guard of Honour will be commanded by Wing Commander AS Sekhon. The Army contingent in the Prime Minister’s Guard will be commanded by Major Arjun Singh, the Naval contingent by Lieutenant Commander Komaldeep Singh and the Air Force contingent by Squadron Leader Rajan Arora. The Delhi Police contingent will be commanded by Additional DCP Shri Rohit Rajbir Singh.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort where he will be greeted by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. The GoC, Delhi area will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais on the ramparts to hoist the National Flag.

Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will assist the Prime Minister in hoisting the National Flag. It will be synchronised with the 21-Gun Salute by the valiant gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery, utilising the indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns, will be commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat and the Gun Position Officer will be Naib Subedar (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Anuthosh Sarkar.

The National Flag Guard, comprising one officer and 32 Other Ranks each from the Army, Navy & Air Force and Delhi Police totalling 128 personnel, will present the Rashtriya Salute at the time of hoisting of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. Wing Commander Tarun Dagar will be in command of this Inter-Services Guard and Police Guard.

The Army Contingent in the National Flag Guard will be commanded by Major Prakash Singh, the Naval contingent by Lieutenant Commander Mohd Parvej and the Air Force Contingent by Squadron Leader VV Sharvan. The Delhi Police contingent will be commanded by Additional DCP Shri Abhimanyu Poswal.

After being hoisted, the Tricolour will receive a ‘Rashtriya Salute’. The Air Force band, consisting of one JCO and 25 Other Ranks, will play the National Anthem during the hoisting of the National Flag and presenting the ‘Rashtriya Salute’. The Band will be conducted by Junior Warrant Officer M Deka. For the first time, 11 Agniveer Vayu musicians will be part of the band which will be playing the National Anthem.

As soon as the National Flag is hoisted by the Prime Minister, flower petals will be showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force – one trooping the national flag and the other trooping a flag depicting ‘Operation Sindoor’. The captains of the helicopters will be Wing Commander Vinay Poonia and Wing Commander Aditya Jaiswal.

Operation Sindoor

The success of Operation Sindoor will be celebrated during the Independence Day Celebrations this year. View cutter at Gyanpath will have the Operation Sindoor logo. Floral decoration will also be based on the operation.

Invitation cards are also carrying the Operation Sindoor logo. Invitation cards are also carrying the water mark of Chenab bridge, depicting the rise of ‘Naya Bharat’.

Formation of ‘Naya Bharat’ at Gyanpath

After the showering of flower petals, the Prime Minister will address the Nation. At the conclusion of his speech, the cadets of National Cadet Corps (NCC) and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will sing the National Anthem. A total of 2,500 boy & girl cadets (Army, Navy and Air Force) and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will participate in the celebrations. These cadets & ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will be seated on Gyanpath, opposite the Rampart. They will be forming the ‘Naya Bharat’ logo.

Special Guests

Approx. 5,000 Special Guests, from different walks of life, have been invited to witness the celebrations at Red Fort this year. These include:

• Indian contingent of Special Olympics 2025
• Winner of international sports events
• Gold Medalists of Khelo India Para Games
• Best performing farmers trained & financially assisted under National Beekeeping and Honey Mission
• Best performing farmers under scheme on conservation, development and sustainable management of medicinal plants
• Best performing farmers traders/cooperatives who availed credit under Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-Negotiable Warehouse Receipts
• Best performing Sarpanches of Open Defecation Free Plus Villages
• Best performing Sarpanches of Catch the Rain Abhiyan
• Best performing young authors under PM YUVA (Youth Author Mentorship Scheme)
• Best performing Youth, skilled and trained under PM-VIKAS scheme
• Best performing entrepreneurs under PM Van Dhan Yojana by TRIFED
• Best performing entrepreneurs of SC/ST community under National SC/ST Hub Scheme
• Best performing students under PM-DAKSH, SHREYAS and SHRESTA scheme
• Best performing Self Help Groups under VISVAS scheme
• Best performing entrepreneurs by NSTFDC
• Best performing PACS 
• Best performing Interns of PM Internship Scheme
• Best performing My Bharat Volunteers
• Beneficiaries of PM Awaas Yojana Gramin
• Delhi based school children who are winners of Online/Offline Quizzes/Competitions
• 50 better performing Swachhta workers of Swachhta Campaign
• Beneficiaries of Lakhpati Didi
• Anganwadi Workers/Helpers, Supervisors, Child Development Project Officers, Child Care Institutions, Mission Shakti
• Rehabilitated bonded labourers, rescued and rehabilitated women & children
• Volunteers/instructors involved with International Yoga Day
• Sarpanches/village leaders who have reached any one of the central/state sector social welfare schemes at saturation level
• Guests from Vibrant Villages
• Self Help Groups under National Rural Livelihoods Mission during last one year
• Innovators/Entrepreneurs from Innovations for Defence Excellence
• Tribal children from native communities of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Over 1,500 people from various States/Union Territories dressed in traditional attire have also been invited to witness the grand ceremony.

Public convenience

• Provision of cloak room: Availability of cloak rooms was applauded by visitors during Republic Day Celebrations. For the ease of users, 25 cloak rooms at 12 locations have been installed for the first time during Independence Day celebrations.
• Volunteers at helpdesk: 190 volunteers (120 from ‘My Bharat’ & 70 from NCC) will assist the visitors along with police personnel in reaching the enclosures. The volunteers can be identified on the way to Red Fort by the visitors.
• Provision of Wheelchair: NCC cadets will be there at metro stations and parking areas for all the visitors who need assistance with wheelchairs.
• Additional Car parking facilities: Provision of car parking for 250 additional cars has been made in parking no. 4A.
• Metro Services: Metro will be operational from 4 AM on August 15^th to help the people to reach the venue easily.

Competitions

In the run up to Independence Day, quizzes and competitions were conducted by Ministry of Defence in collaboration with My Gov. The details of the competitions are as follows:

• Competition for Design of Formation on Gyanpath
• Essay Competition on the topic ‘Operation Sindoor- Redefining India’s policy against terrorism’
• Reel Competition: Walk to The Monuments/Sites of Indian Independence
• Painting Competition on the theme ‘New India Empowered India’
• Series of online quiz contests:

1. 1. Role of Women in Shaping New India
   2. Bharat Ranbhoomi: Border of India
   3. Rise of Aatmanirbhar Innovation in National Security

          Around 1,000 winners of the competitions will also be part of the celebrations.

Military Band Performances

To promote patriotic fervor among citizens and to celebrate victory of Operation Sindoor, a number of band performances will be conducted pan-India for the first time in the evening of Independence Day celebrations. The performances will be conducted by the bands of Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF and Assam Rifles at over 140 prominent locations throughout the country. 
Independence Day 2025, the 79th anniversary of India’s Independence, will be celebrated on August 15, 2025, at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag, deliver a speech, and be honored with a Guard of Honour and a 21-gun salute as part of the ceremony.

Key Details

• Date: August 15, 2025
• Event: 79th Independence Day celebrations
• Location: Red Fort, Delhi
• Key Figure: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations, hoisting the flag and addressing the nation.
• Ceremony Highlights:
  • Guard of Honour
  • Flag hoisting by the Prime Minister
  • National Anthem
  • 21-gun salute
  • Floral shower by Indian Air Force helicopters

Theme

• The theme for the 2025 celebrations is “Naya Bharat” (New India), focusing on the nation’s continued progress toward becoming a prosperous, secure, and bold nation by 2047.

Special Guests

• Around five thousand special guests from various walks of life have been invited to witness the event. Top sanitation workers from Delhi are among those who will be special guests.

How to Watch

• Those interested can witness the celebrations in person or watch the live telecast from home.
• Tickets for attending the event at the Red Fort are available online through official Ministry of Defence portals, with different price categories offered.

Tri-Service band during the full dress rehearsal for 79th Independence Day celebrations, at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 13, 2025. | Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 79th Independence Day celebrations on August 15 from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.

Marking the occasion, the Prime Minister will unfurl the National Flag and deliver his address to the nation from the ramparts of the iconic monument. “As India continues its journey towards achieving the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, this year’s celebrations will be held under the theme Naya Bharat,” the Union Mdinistry of Defence said in a statement.

“The celebrations will serve as a platform to commemorate the continuing rise of a prosperous, secure and bold Naya Bharat and provide renewed power to surge further ahead on the path to progress,” the MoD said.

The Air Force band, consisting of one Junior Commissioned Officer and 25 other ranks, will play the National Anthem when the Tricolour is hoisted and the ‘Rashtriya Salute’ presented. The band will be conducted by Junior Warrant Officer M. Deka. For the first time, 11 Agniveer Vayu musicians will be part of the band playing the National Anthem.

NCC cadets during the full dress rehearsal for 79th Independence Day celebrations, at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 13, 2025. | Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

Soon after the National Flag is hoisted by the PM, flower petals will be showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force, one trooping the national flag, and the other trooping a flag depicting Operation Sindoor. The helicopters will be captained by Wing Commander Vinay Poonia and Wing Commander Aditya Jaiswal.

The PM will then address the nation. At the conclusion of his speech, cadets of the National Cadet Corps, and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will sing the National Anthem.

The success of Operation Sindoor will be highlighted at the Independence Day celebrations. The view cutter at Gyanpath will feature the Operation Sindoor logo. Floral decorations will also be based on it. Invitation cards carry the Operation Sindoor logo, and the watermark of the Chenab bridge depicting the rise of ‘Naya Bharat’. Approximately 5,000 special guests from different walks of life have been invited to witness the celebrations at Red Fort.

Tri-Services Guard of Honour during the full dress rehearsal for 79th Independence Day celebrations, at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 13, 2025. | Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

About 2,500 boy and girl cadets from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will participate in the celebrations. They will be seated on Gyanpath, opposite the Red Fort ramparts, forming the ‘Naya Bharat’ logo.

To promote patriotic fervour among citizens, and to celebrate Operation Sindoor’s victory, bands of defence and paramilitary forces will perform for the first time on the evening of the Independence Day celebrations at over 140 prominent locations across the country.

• Location:Red Fort, Delhi. 

• Aircraft:Two Mi-17 helicopters from the Indian Air Force. 

Overview

On August 15, 2025, during India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, 

two Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 helicopters flew over the Red Fort, carrying a national Tiranga and a banner for Operation Sindoor while showering flower petals. This patriotic flypast, with the helicopters piloted by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal, honored the nation’s armed forces and added grandeur to the festivities led by Prime Minister Modi from the Red Fort. 

Key Details

• Event:79th Indian Independence Day. 
• Date:August 15, 2025. 
• Location:Red Fort, Delhi. 
• Aircraft:Two Mi-17 helicopters from the Indian Air Force. 
• Banner:One helicopter displayed the national Tricolor (Tiranga), while the other carried a banner for “Operation Sindoor”. 
• Significance:The display paid tribute to the courage and precision of India’s defense forces and celebrated national pride. 
• Pilots:The helicopters were piloted by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal. 

2:10

Independence Day 2025 | IAF Mi-17 Helicopters Fly Over Red Fort and Shower Flower Petals

Indian Air Force Showcases National Pride on 79th Independence Day

Sep 19, 2025 — In a striking display of patriotism and national pride, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force flew over the Red Fort to mark nation’s 79th Independence …

Op Sindoor powerful testament to valour & precision of armed forces …

Aug 15, 2025 — As soon as the National Flag was hoisted by Prime Minister Modi, flower petals were showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force- one …

Newsonair

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to lead 79th Independence Day

The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates numerous Russian-origin Mi-17 helicopters, primarily the Mi-17 V5 variant, which is a versatile, medium-lift transport and utility helicopter used for various civilian and military roles, including troop and cargo transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and supplying forward posts. The Mi-17 V5 is a modern version with a glass cockpit, advanced avionics, and powerful engines suitable for India’s high-altitude regions. The IAF is enhancing its Mi-17 fleet with indigenous Electronic Warfare (EW) suites to improve survivability and is also planning for eventual replacement of these helicopters with indigenously developed medium-weight military helicopters.

Key Characteristics and Uses

• Versatility: The Mi-17 V5 can carry up to 24 passengers or 36 troops in full combat gear.
• High-Altitude Operations: Designed for mountainous regions, it features powerful engines and advanced avionics.
• Multirole Capability: Used for troop transport, humanitarian aid, search and rescue missions, medical evacuation, and firefighting.
• Offensive Capabilities: Equipped with machine guns, rockets, and even capable of carrying Israeli Spike missiles, making them multirole.
• Night Operations: Compatibility with Night Vision Goggles allows for operations in low visibility conditions.

Modernization and Future Plans

• Indigenous EW Suite: A contract was signed in 2025 to equip the Mi-17 V5 fleet with an indigenous Electronic Warfare suite, including a radar warning receiver and countermeasure system, to enhance survivability.
• Future Replacement: The IAF plans to phase out the older Mi-17 versions and eventually replace the Mi-17 V5s with indigenously manufactured medium-weight military helicopters.

Key Figures

• Fleet Size: The IAF operates a large fleet of Mi-17 helicopters, with estimates around 222 to 250 units.
• Origin: The Mi-17 helicopter series is of Russian origin.