80th Independence Day Live: I-Day Celebrated All Over India; Security Tightened In Delhi

Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray hoisted the tricolour outside the party headquarters, Shiv Sena Bhavan in Mumbai.

"No one can snatch our freedom despite multiple attempts. This is because we will not be slaves of either insider or outsider. We are giving this message to those for whom it is intended," said Thackeray, who had extended Sena (UBT)'s support to protesting youths in New Delhi and Mumbai.

He said, "The country has woken up, and no one will try to touch our Constitution or freedom".

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday called on people to strengthen India's independence by making the country happy, prosperous, and secure so that it contributes meaningfully to the world and becomes "Vishwaguru", noting that many people and forces are working against this goal.

He also emphasised that views of individuals may differ, but this diversity expresses unity.

Addressing a gathering at the Sangh headquarters in Nagpur after hoisting the tricolour on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, the Sangh chief urged people to strengthen the nation without compromising on core principles and confront challenges to make it a guide to the world.

At the commencement of the Independence Day celebration, Mayor Ritu Tawde paid tribute by garlanding the full-size statue of Sir Pherozeshah Mehta located in front of the municipal headquarters. A ceremonial salute was presented to Mayor Ritu Tawde by the Mumbai Fire Brigade and the Security Squad of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Mumbai Mayor Pays Tribute To Pherozeshah Mehta

Flag-hoisting ceremony led by Mayor Ritu Tawde at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters on the occasion of Independence Day.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Rajesh Tawde hoisted the national flag today (August 15, 2026) at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), Prajakta Verma-Lavangare, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs), Vipin Sharma, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs), Avinash Dhakne, and Corporator and former Mayor Shraddha Jadhav were present, along with Joint Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Directors, Assistant Commissioners, Heads of Departments, other officials, dignitaries, and citizens of Mumbai.

Flag Hoisting In Mumbai

Maharashtra will play the most important role in India's journey towards becoming a "Viksit Bharat", Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said. He said Maharashtra leads the country on the economic front and has recorded 8.8% growth in the first half of the year.

Speaking after hoisting the national flag at Mantralaya to mark the 80th Independence Day, Fadnavis said Maharashtra is an important contributor to India's development and the government is working to ensure that every district becomes a "growth engine".

Independence Day was celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies across Punjab, Haryana and their common capital Chandigarh.

Punjab Governor and Union territory Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria hoisted the national flag at Chandigarh, while Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh hoisted the national flag in Yamunanagar.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hoisted the national flag at a state-level function in Ferozepur and his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini unfurled the tricolour in Hansi.

Tight security arrangements were made in the two states for Independence Day events.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu marked the 80th Independence Day by hoisting the national flag in Amaravati. "Heartfelt greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telugu people worldwide on the 80th Independence Day celebrations. Our freedom is the result of the sacrifices and struggles of countless great souls," said the CM in a post on X.

The true tribute to their sacrifices is to build a greater future for the nation, he said, adding, "For that, with the resolve of ‘That I am...’, everyone should reflect not on what the country has done for me, but on what I can do for the country.”

80వ స్వాతంత్ర్య దినోత్సవ వేళ ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ ప్రజలందరికీ, ప్రపంచవ్యాప్తంగా ఉన్న తెలుగువారందరికీ హృదయపూర్వక శుభాకాంక్షలు. ఎందరో మహనీయుల త్యాగాలు, పోరాటాల ఫలితమే మన స్వాతంత్ర్యం. వారి త్యాగాలకు నిజమైన నివాళి అంటే దేశ భవిష్యత్తును మరింత గొప్పగా నిర్మించడమే. అందుకు ‘అనే నేను...’… pic.twitter.com/e5hSfhy3Y6

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) August 15, 2026

India's per-capita income rose from 19% of the global average in 1990 to 46% in 2025, data shows.

India Per capita income
Photo Credit: (Photo: NDTV)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi greeted people on Independence Day. 

"Heartfelt Independence Day greetings to all fellow citizens. Freedom is not merely a gift bestowed upon us by our freedom fighters, but also a responsibility. "This responsibility is to walk the path of truth and non-violence, to hold the values of the Constitution and the tricolour in our hearts, and to safeguard democracy under all circumstances."

सभी देशवासियों को स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।

आज़ादी हमारे स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों द्वारा दिया गया सिर्फ़ एक तोहफ़ा नहीं, बल्कि एक ज़िम्मेदारी भी है।

यह ज़िम्मेदारी है सत्य और अहिंसा के रास्ते पर चलने की, संविधान और तिरंगे के मूल्यों को अपने दिल में रखने की और हर हाल… pic.twitter.com/LXTnFuL3wY

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 15, 2026

Leaders in Kerala on Saturday greeted people on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day

• Union Minister Suresh Gopi, in a message posted on Facebook, said, "With immense pride in our freedom and love for our motherland, I wish every Indian a very Happy Independence Day!"
• Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the occasion should also be used for serious introspection on the political and social situation in contemporary India. The freedom fighters had dreamed of an India where all citizens enjoyed equal justice and freedom, rather than a country belonging to any particular section, he said.
• State Forest Minister Shibu Baby John said Independence Day was not merely a historical reminder of the day foreign powers were driven out, but also a constant reminder to support one another and stand united.
• Higher Education Minister Roji M John recalled former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's historic "Tryst with Destiny" speech, describing it as one of the greatest speeches of the 20th century. 
• KPCC president and Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph paid tribute to the memories of the brave martyrs and freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India's independence.
• BJP state president and Nemom MLA Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the country was celebrating 80 years of independence and 150 years of Vande Mataram.
   

Let us put country before self; national interest and sense of duty should be our identity, this is India's hour: PM Modi concludes I-Day speech.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced free online coaching for aspirants preparing for competitive exams to ease the financial burden on their families. The prime minister said he assures these families that they can save "thousands of crores of rupees" spent on coaching, be close to their children, and care for them.

PM Modi, says, Today, I am happy to say that Naxalite and Maoist violence no longer has the strength to sustain itself and is breathing its last. We are moving towards completely eliminating it. In areas where the bullets of Naxalites once rang out, where the soil was once stained with blood, today the same Naxal-affected regions are witnessing the tricolour of development, trust and endeavour flying high as they move towards becoming Naxalism-free."

PM Modi said:

• Indian accounting firms should rank among the best globally.
• Indian companies should strive to be among top 5 pharma companies of world.
• Banking sector in India is flourishing; one Indian bank should be among the top five globally.
• Our aim should be to have 50 Indian companies in Fortune 500.
   

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "India is going to host 2030 CWG; we want to host 2036 Olympics. Before 2036 Olympics, we need to expand into sporting disciplines in which we never used to qualify earlier."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has already begun production at three semiconductor plants, and five to eight more plants are expected to come up in the coming years. Semiconductor chips are essential to electronics, healthcare, transport and virtually every modern technology.

Modi noted that for years, the country discussed semiconductors, but lacked large-scale semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

Production has already started at three semiconductor plants, with exports also underway, he said.

Over the next seven-eight years, five-eight more plants are expected to come up, strengthening India's path towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, the prime minister announced.

We have decided that in next one year, 1 crore youth will be given training in AI skill: PM Modi.

PM Modi, says, "Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I call upon the nation to harness the 'Sapt Dhara... the seven streams of strength. In the next five to seven years, we will achieve what could not be achieved in the past five to seven decades. With the strength and potential of 'Sapt Dhara', we will take the nation to new heights, give it new momentum, and empower it to achieve and surpass new goals. Alongside this, the immense potential of our youth will be fully harnessed in nation-building. Their energy, talent and strength will be brought together and channelled towards building a stronger and more developed India."
 

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."

PM Modi says, "Over the last 10–12 years, we have confronted numerous crises. The global pandemic had plunged the entire world into uncertainty, and systems everywhere were severely disrupted. We emerged from COVID, only to see the devastation of wars unfolding... first in Ukraine and then in West Asia. But the country has witnessed for itself how the well-thought-out plans of the past 10–12 years are bearing fruit. Despite facing such enormous crises, India remained guided by the spirit of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava'... drawing upon the preparations it had made, continued to take one step after another."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:

• Trade agreements we are signing provide big opportunity for MSMEs; want to tell them not to let go of this.
• Objective of Viksit Bharat by 2047 standing on strong foundation.
• We have to change our work culture and thinking.
• Our 'Reform Express' has marched forward; we will soon launch next level of reforms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:

• The number of internet users has nearly quadrupled, patent grants have increased fourfold, and digital transactions have grown a hundredfold. We have worked with equal seriousness to improve amenities for the common citizen. 
• We have provided tap-water connections at an average annual rate 15 times faster than before. 
• Gas connections have been provided at six times the previous annual speed. We have constructed toilets for the poor at four times the annual pace and provided housing for the underprivileged at three times the previous rate. 
   

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:

• 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 sevenfold.
• The production of modern railway coaches has risen 21-fold, and mobile phone production has surged 33-fold.

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... Over the past 12 years, countless citizens—whether Dalits, the downtrodden, the marginalised, or tribals; whether rural or urban dwellers; the poor or the middle class; youth or the elderly; women or men; from the North, South, East, or West—have all strived in every possible way, with unwavering resolve and dedication, to propel the nation to new heights. I respectfully acknowledge these efforts."

#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

Addressing the nation on the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi says, "We must become self-reliant and protect our interests. Today, every Indian is getting connected with initiatives of Make in India, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local."
 

PM Narendra Modi's Independence Day Speech

• This is the first time since independence that Vande Matram has resonated from ramparts of Red Fort.
• India dreaming big to touch new heights; will make sure country becomes developed by 2047.
• World will be forced to look at India differently when most populous country becomes a developed nation.
• For last 12 years, everyone making efforts to place India on path of development.
• People's efforts have resulted in taking India from fragile five to major economy in last 12 years.

Addressing the nation from ramparts of Red Fort, PM Modi, says, "In recent days, several parts of the country have witnessed severe flooding and landslides, affecting numerous families. We fully understand the hardships they have endured. I want to assure the affected families that we, and the entire nation, stand firmly with them."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoists the National Flag at Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day. The hoisting of the National Flag was synchronised with the 21-Gun Salute by the gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery, utilising the indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns, is commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat, and the Gun Position Officer is Naib Subedar (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Anuthosh Sarkar.

#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoists the National Flag at Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day.

The hoisting of the National Flag was synchronised with the 21-Gun Salute by the gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery, utilising the… pic.twitter.com/rbaiIKQpPU

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026

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 dwells in every mind; the nation is moving forward with enthusiasm and zeal, embracing new resolutions."

#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

Delhi is on high alert in view of Independence Day celebrations, with more than 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed across the city to maintain law and order, while a multi-layered security grid is in place around the Red Fort, a senior police officer said.

Elaborate security arrangements -- involving over 1,000 CCTV cameras and AI-based video analytics -- are in place around the Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag and address the nation.

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 here.

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.
 

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

#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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted people on the occasion of Independence Day. "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.

He said the dreams of the freedom fighters continue to inspire everyone as people work together to build a "Viksit Bharat".

"Powered by 140 crore Indians, our nation is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors. May this journey keep progressing at an even greater pace in the times to come," Modi said.