Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, leading the nation from Delhi’s historic Red Fort. The event will carry the theme of ‘Naya Bharat,’ symbolizing India’s path toward a prosperous, secure, and bold future, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
On arrival, PM Modi will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (Delhi Area), will escort him to the Saluting Base. There, a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard, comprising 96 members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police, will present a general salute. This year’s Guard is coordinated by the Indian Air Force under Wing Commander AS Sekhon.
After inspecting the Guard of Honour, PM Modi will ascend the Red Fort ramparts, where he will be greeted by the Defence Minister, the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the heads of the three armed forces. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will assist in hoisting the National Flag, synchronized with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat. Two Mi-17 helicopters, piloted by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal, will shower flower petals, with one carrying the national flag and the other the ‘Operation Sindoor’ flag.
The event will spotlight the achievements of Operation Sindoor, with its logo featured on decorations and official invitations, along with a watermark of the Chenab Bridge. The National Anthem will be performed by an Air Force band, including Agniveer Vayu musicians, and sung by 2,500 NCC cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers forming the ‘Naya Bharat’ emblem at Gyanpath.
Around 5,000 special invitees—from athletes and top farmers to rural development beneficiaries—will be present. Cultural diversity will be showcased by over 1,500 participants in traditional attire from across the country. Public facilities include cloakrooms, volunteer assistance, wheelchair services, and extended metro operations starting at 4 AM.
To extend the patriotic spirit, military and paramilitary bands from various forces will perform at more than 140 venues nationwide on Independence Day evening, amplifying celebrations across India.
