New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Saturday as India marked its 80th Independence Day, highlighting the country’s development journey, national security, youth power and the goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Independence Day celebrations this year carried a special focus on 150 years of Vande Mataram and the contribution of India’s youth towards the Viksit Bharat vision. The celebrations also featured Vande Mataram prominently, with the national song being played at the Red Fort during the ceremony.
In his address, Modi paid tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifice, courage and commitment, he said, continue to inspire India's journey towards a developed nation. He also emphasised the role of young Indians in shaping the country's future.
Prime Minister highlighted India's progress across areas including infrastructure, technology, entrepreneurship and economic development, while presenting the country's growth as part of the broader journey towards a self-reliant and developed India.
The celebrations at the Red Fort marked Modi's 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the historic monument.
Prime Minister's address came a day after President Droupadi Murmu's Independence Day-eve address, in which she called for collective efforts to ensure that development reaches every citizen and India achieves the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
This year's Independence Day celebrations also brought together around 5,000 special guests, including beneficiaries and participants from different sections of society, as part of the national ceremony. Government's official Independence Day portal has published the Prime Minister's address and highlights from the 2026 celebrations.
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