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New Delhi, August 15 (IANS) India celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Friday with a rich tribute to the Armed Forces and a renewed national commitment to building a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering his 12th consecutive address from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort, hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, India’s decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
In a speech marked by patriotic fervour and strategic resolve, PM Modi said the mission had struck “deep into Pakistani territory” and sent a strong message to India’s adversaries.
“Our Armed Forces have once again demonstrated their unmatched courage and precision. Operation Sindoor is a testament to India’s unwavering resolve to protect its sovereignty,” he declared.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations were themed 'Naya Bharat', reflecting the country’s accelerating journey toward becoming a developed nation by its centenary of independence in 2047.
The ceremonial grounds at Gyanpath bore the emblem of Operation Sindoor, with floral decorations echoing the mission’s motif.
In a dramatic aerial tribute, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force showered flower petals over the Red Fort as the Prime Minister hoisted the national flag. One helicopter flew the Tricolour, while the other carried a flag depicting Operation Sindoor, symbolising the nation’s gratitude to its Armed Forces.
The celebrations drew thousands of attendees, including dignitaries, schoolchildren, and citizens from across the country.
Security was tight, and the atmosphere was charged with patriotic pride as cultural performances and military displays unfolded throughout the morning.
"The Prime Minister’s address also touched upon India’s developmental milestones, youth empowerment, and technological advancements,” PM Modi said.
As India steps into its 79th year of independence, the twin pillars of national security and inclusive development stood tall at the heart of the celebrations. Operation Sindoor, now etched into the nation’s collective memory, served as both a tribute and a rallying cry for a confident, self-reliant India.
PM Modi warns against Pakistan's nuclear blackmail on I-Day; says blood and water won’t flow together
In a powerful Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a stern message to Pakistan, declaring that India will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail.
“Blood and water won’t flow together,” he said, referencing the Indus Waters Treaty and the country’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism.
Marking his 12th consecutive Independence Day speech, PM Modi’s remarks came amid heightened patriotic fervour as India celebrated its 79th year of freedom.
The Prime Minister hoisted the national flag and paid tribute to the Armed Forces, particularly for the success of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
PM Modi emphasised that India’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness. “India has decided it will not fall for nuclear threats anymore. Our Armed Forces have punished the masters of terror beyond their imagination,” he said, alluding to the deep strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor.
The Prime Minister also criticised the Indus Waters Treaty as “unjust and unreasonable,” suggesting that India may reconsider its obligations under the agreement if Pakistan continues to support terrorism.
His statement, “blood and water cannot flow together,” was widely interpreted as a warning of potential diplomatic and strategic recalibration.
The Red Fort ceremony was marked by symbolic gestures, including a floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and a dramatic aerial display by Indian Air Force helicopters showering petals over the venue.
One helicopter flew the national flag, while another carried a flag depicting Operation Sindoor, underscoring the mission’s national significance.
PM Modi’s speech also touched on the broader theme of Naya Bharat, reaffirming the government’s vision of a developed India --Viksit Bharat -- by 2047.
“This festival of freedom is a festival of 140 crore resolutions,” he said, urging citizens to unite in building a stronger, self-reliant nation.
As India steps into its 80th year of independence, the message from Red Fort was clear: national security, sovereignty, and dignity will not be compromised.
Pakistan’s sleep is still disturbed; the scale of destruction was immense: PM Modi on Op Sindoor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that Operation Sindoor has disturbed Pakistan’s sleep, and the devastation there was so massive that new revelations are emerging every day.
He said this during his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Friday, adding that India will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail and if the enemy dares to commit any more misadventure, the Indian Armed Forces will give them a befitting reply.
“India will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail. If the enemy dares to commit any more misadventure, the Indian Armed Forces will give them a befitting reply. India has decided that blood and water will not flow together,” he said.
He said that this August 15 has a special significance. “Today, I got the opportunity to salute the brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Our brave, valiant soldiers have given the enemies a punishment beyond their imagination.”
PM Modi said that the Armed Forces were given a free hand, and they produced remarkable results.
“We gave our Armed Forces a free hand, allowing them to strategise, set the target, and decide the timing. Our forces set a precedent unseen for many decades. They attacked hundreds of kilometres into enemy territory and turned terrorist headquarters to dust," he said.
“Pakistan's sleep is still disturbed. The devastation in Pakistan has been so massive that new revelations are emerging every day, and new information is coming to light,” he said.
“I am proud that today, I got the opportunity to salute the brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor from the Red Fort. Our brave soldiers gave the enemies a fitting reply, beyond their imagination. Every Indian was angered by the horrors perpetrated by terrorists in Pahalgam. Operation Sindoor is the expression of that very anger,” the PM said.
PM Modi said that India has been bearing the pain of terrorism for many decades. “We have now set a new normal. Terrorists and those who shelter them will not be seen separately. They are an equal danger to humanity with no difference,” the PM said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort in the national capital. He said this great festival of freedom is a festival of 140 crore resolutions.
“This festival of freedom is a moment of pride in collective achievements. Every heart is filled with enthusiasm. The nation is continuously strengthening the spirit of unity, he said in his much-awaited address.
