Independence Day 2025 LIVE: Speeches, Celebrations & Highlights From Red Fort

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, marking India’s 79th year of freedom. His speech prominently featured Operation Sindoor, which he hailed as a decisive response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

The Prime Minister said the armed forces were given full operational freedom to plan the timing, target, and strategy of India’s retaliation, asserting that they had ‘punished enemies beyond their imagination’.

Before his address, PM Modi shared Independence Day greetings on the social media platform, expressing his vision for a Viksit Bharat.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day. May this day inspire us to keep working even harder to realise the dreams of our freedom fighters and build a Viksit Bharat. Jai Hind!”

Also Read: India Marks 79th Independence Day With PM Modi To Lead Red Fort Celebrations

On the eve of the celebrations, senior military officers who planned and executed Operation Sindoor received honours.

Nine Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure and military installations in Pakistan received the Vir Chakra. Four Indian Army personnel also received the Vir Chakra for their role in the mission, while IAF staff operating the S-400 air defence systems during the May 7–10 conflict honoured with commendations.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) also received high honours, with 23 personnel awarded gallantry medals, the highest among the Central Armed Police Forces this year.

Constables Saddam Hussain, Feda Hussain Dar, and Sanjay Tiwari, decorated with the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award.