Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag at the Red Fort on Saturday morning as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day. The ceremony marked another milestone in Modi’s annual Independence Day addresses, with this year’s celebrations placing a strong emphasis on youth power and their role in building a developed India by 2047.

Before reaching the Red Fort, the Prime Minister paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He then proceeded to the historic fort, where he was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The Prime Minister was presented with a Guard of Honour before the formal celebrations began.

Tricolour Unfurled at Red Fort

PM Modi unfurled the Tricolour at the Red Fort after the ceremonial proceedings. The national anthem was played as part of the flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by a 21-gun salute.

The ceremony also includes a traditional aerial flower shower by Indian Air Force helicopters. The Prime Minister is scheduled to address the nation from the Red Fort following the ceremonial proceedings.

One of the notable moments of this year's celebration was the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Red Fort, marking a first in the Independence Day ceremony according to the information released ahead of the event.

Youth at Centre of Celebrations

This year's Independence Day programme has placed young Indians at the centre of the celebrations.

Around 5,000 special guests from different walks of life have been invited to the Red Fort. Among them are young innovators, startup-linked youth, PM Internship Scheme interns and students who have achieved distinction in academic and competitive fields.

The government has also invited young people trained under skill-development initiatives and volunteers associated with the My Bharat programme.

Olympiad Medal Winners Honoured

A group of 19 students who won medals at the 2026 International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiads have been included among the special guests.

Students selected through quizzes and competitions organised by Delhi government schools are also attending the Independence Day celebrations.

Beneficiaries associated with schemes including NAMASTE, PM AJAY and SEED have also been invited as part of the broader effort to represent different sections of society at the national ceremony.

Heavy Security in Delhi

Security arrangements have been tightened across the national capital for the Independence Day celebrations.

Around 15,000 to 20,000 security personnel have reportedly been deployed for the event, while more than 1,000 CCTV cameras are being used for surveillance.

Vehicle checking and security screening were intensified at entry points to Delhi ahead of the celebrations.

The Red Fort ceremony is expected to continue for around three hours, covering the ceremonial proceedings, parade-related activities and the Prime Minister's address.

Delhi Weather Remains Under Watch

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast mostly cloudy conditions in Delhi on Independence Day, with the possibility of spells of very light rain.

Weather conditions are being closely watched because thousands of people and invited guests are attending events around the Red Fort.

13th Independence Day Address

Saturday's address will be PM Modi's 13th Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. He first addressed the nation from the historic venue in 2014.

Over the past 12 years, his Red Fort speeches have averaged around 85 minutes, with the longest address lasting approximately 103 minutes in 2025.

His previous Independence Day addresses have featured major government initiatives and policy priorities, including Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat, Make in India, Digital India, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Ayushman Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat and the goal of a developed India.

Global Leaders Extend Greetings

India's Independence Day has also drawn messages from foreign governments and diplomatic representatives.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated India, highlighting the continuing growth of India-US relations.

Israel's Ambassador to India Reuven Azar also conveyed Independence Day greetings and highlighted the two countries' shared emphasis on innovation and their ancient civilisational heritage.

Focus on India@2047

With youth power at the centre of the 2026 celebrations, the Independence Day programme places emphasis on the participation of young Indians in India's development journey towards 2047, the centenary year of Independence.

The presence of young innovators, Olympiad medal winners, interns, entrepreneurs, volunteers and students at the Red Fort reflects the government's focus on giving greater visibility to the next generation during this year's national celebrations.

As PM Modi prepares to deliver his 13th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, the nation is watching closely for the government's priorities and announcements for the year ahead.