Independence Day LIVE updates: PM Modi greets people

A military band performs during the full-dress rehearsal ahead of the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, in New Delhi Photo: @SpokespersonMoD X/ANI Photo Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted people on the occasion of Independence Day and said powered by 140 crore Indians, the country is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors.Also read | Vande Mataram’s Independence Day debut and its significance The nation will is commemorating the 80th Independence Day, a red-letter day in the history of India, with Mr. Modi set to lead the celebrations at the Red Fort complex amid patriotic fervour and multi-layer security.The capital is on high alert, 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.Also read | Students are architects of India’s future, says President MurmuFor the first time, the National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’, will be rendered during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.August 15, 2026 07:03 India's constitutional values, democratic institutions have faced serious challenges: KhargeCongress president Mallikarjun Kharge said India’s constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony have faced “serious challenges” over the last 10 years, as he called for full measure of equality and justice for the economically-weaker sections.In his message to people on India’s 80th Independence Day, Mr. Kharge said the country has travelled a long way, but many aspirations still remain unfulfilled.August 15, 2026 07:01 PM Modi greets people on Independence Day Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Independence Day and said powered by 140 crore Indians, the country is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors.Mr. Modi also paid tributes to the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. Published - August 15, 2026 06:57 am IST