Independence Day Updates: PM's praise of RSS in I-Day speech troubling, his desperate attempt to appease Sangh, says Congress

The Congress on Friday termed as "most troubling" PM Modi's praise for the RSS in his speech, saying it is a "breach" of the spirit of constitutional and secular republic and a desperate attempt to appease the Sangh in the run-up to his 75th birthday.

"The PM was tired today. Soon he will be retired," Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said and slammed the prime minister's speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort as "stale, hypocritical, insipid", claiming he recycled his oft-repeated slogans of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' with "little" to show as measurable outcomes.

"The most troubling element of the PM’s speech today was his name-checking of the RSS from the ramparts of the Red Fort - a blatant breach of the spirit of a constitutional, secular republic. "It is nothing but a desperate attempt to appease the organisation in the run-up to his 75th birthday next month," AICC general secretary, communications, Ramesh said in a post on X.

Independence Day Live: Tricolour unfurls for first time in Naxalism hit-Abujhmad

Two senior Chinese ministers attended India’s Independence Day reception in Beijing on Friday.

The gesture by the Chinese government comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to China for the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation later this month.

On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann hoisted the Tricolour in Faridkot on Friday. He said that Punjab is the first state in the country to provide financial aid of Rs 1 crore to the families of its fallen soldiers.

In a post on X, CM Bhagwant Mann shared, "Today, on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day of the country, I participated in the state-level function organised in the historic city of Faridkot and hoisted the national flag of the country, the tricolour. The unique and unmatched role of Punjabis in the Indian freedom struggle is not hidden from anyone. More than 80 per cent of the sacrifices in making the country independent have been made by Punjabis."

Punjab CM said that the state government never hesitate in honouring fallen soldiers. -- ANI

Independence Day Live: Sashastra Seema Bal band performs patriotic tunes at district Park Hauz Khas

The BJP on Friday dismissed the Congress' criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's praise of the RSS in his Independence Day address, asserting that the Hindutva organisation's ideology is shaping India's public discourse today.

BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya recalled that the country's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had invited the RSS to join the Republic Day parade in 1963 and had called it an organisation of patriots.

"As the RSS marks 100 years, it is fitting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentions it from the Red Fort," he said, reacting to Congress' criticisms.

Independence Day Live: DG BSF Daljit Singh Chaudhary unveils portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at Attari border

Independence Day Live: RSS did not hoist national flag for long time, says DK Shivakumar on PM Modi mentioning in I-Day speech

Independence Day Live: High Commission of India in London celebrates 79th Independence Day

Independence Day Live: Embassy of India in Beijing celebrates 79th Independence Day

India in China posted on X, "Embassy of India, Beijing celebrated the 79th Independence Day with a solemn ceremony attended by a large gathering of the Indian community. Ambassador Shri Pradeep Kumar Rawat hoisted the Tricolour and read excerpts from the Hon’ble President’s Address to the Nation.

Independence Day Live: High Commission of India in Islamabad celebrates 79th Independence Day

The High Commission of India in Islamabad on Friday celebrated the 79th Independence Day of India with a flag-hoisting ceremony and a reading of the "Address to the Nation" by President Droupadi Murmu.

In a ceremony held at the High Commission premises, Charge d'Affaires (Cd'A) Geetika Srivastava hoisted the Indian national flag, following which she read the "Address to the Nation" delivered by President Murmu on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

Independence Day Live: Celebrations at Government Degree College in J&K's Anantnag

RJD leader Manoj Jha on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address, saying it "disappoints every time" and questioned whether it was an election speech rather than a national address. He added that a discussion on the RSS's role in India's freedom struggle would have been more appropriate from the Red Fort.

Speaking to ANI, Jha said, "In the last 11 years, when the Prime Minister speaks from the ramparts of the Red Fort, we hope that he will speak like the Prime Minister of the country, without malice, prejudice, or bias. The Prime Minister disappoints every time... It is Independence Day, and if there had been a discussion on the role of the RSS, we would have been very happy. It is a cultural organisation, and the Prime Minister of the country should evaluate its role in the freedom struggle... Today, it has become difficult to distinguish whether it is an election speech or an address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort." -- ANI

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Friday said it is "deeply regrettable" that Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to praise the RSS in his Independence Day speech, and called it an organisation with a "dubious historical record". CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was banned following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and historians have documented the organisation's role in "inciting communal riots". "My heartiest greetings on the 79th Independence Day. India’s journey to freedom from colonial rule was long and arduous. Martyrs like Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Ashfaqullah Khan live in our memories not just today, but every single day," Baby said in a post on X.

On PM Narendra Modi’s speech from Red Fort, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, “The GST reforms to be announced around Diwali will be one of the biggest reforms in the country. I also thank the PM for stating from the ramparts of the Red Fort that the infiltrators who have entered this country must, under all circumstances, be removed.”

Maintaining that better law and order is key for the development of any state, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Friday said Jharkhand has waged a war against menaces like Naxalism and illegal drugs trade. The governor made the statement after hoisting the national flag at the Independence Day function in Ranchi, in a departure from tradition. "Stringent action is being taken against Naxalism, and as a result, 197 Naxalites were arrested, 17 killed, and 10 were forced to surrender," he said. - PTI

n her maiden Independence Day address on Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta laid out an ambitious vision for the capital, promising to rejuvenate the Yamuna and develop world-class infrastructure. Speaking at Chhatrasal Stadium amid heavy rain, she also announced the formation of a welfare board for gig workers to ensure their well-being and emphasized her government’s efforts to tackle waterlogging and improve roads.

“I pledge to rejuvenate the Yamuna. Our government is working from day one to clean it. Several promises were made earlier, but little was achieved. The Yamuna will be so clean that we will see the Sun’s reflection in its waters and perform veneration on its banks,” Gupta said.

She assured citizens that Delhi would soon become a “city of dreams” with infrastructure among the best in the country. Highlighting recent achievements, the Chief Minister noted that her government had passed a bill to regulate private school fees, underscoring that “we are the custodians of the pockets of parents.”

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday said that the success of Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev reflected the country’s collective resolve in dealing with terror and protecting citizens.

Hoisting the National Tricolour at Indira Gandhi Park here on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day celebration, Khandu said every life matters and the government would protect the people and the country’s borders with strength and determination.

New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Chairperson Keshav Chandra on Friday hoisted the national flag at the civic body's headquarters in Palika Kendra on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day. The ceremony was attended by NDMC Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Council Member Anil Valmiki, Secretary Tariq Thomas, senior officials, school students and teachers, an official statement by the NDMC said. Security and fire personnel presented a guard of honour before the flag hoisting. - PTI

The Central Government is set to introduce significant GST reforms aimed at building an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ focusing on three key pillars: structural reforms, rate rationalisation, and ease of living. The proposals, submitted to the Group of Ministers (GoM) under the GST Council, seek to streamline tax structures, enhance affordability, and simplify compliance. Structural reforms will address inverted duty structures, resolve classification disputes, and provide greater rate stability to boost domestic value addition and business confidence. Rate rationalisation will focus on reducing taxes on essential and aspirational goods, simplifying slabs to primarily standard and merit rates, and leveraging fiscal space created by the end of compensation cess. Under the ease-of-living pillar, GST processes such as registration, return filing, and refunds will be made technology-driven, faster, and automated, particularly benefiting small businesses, startups, and exporters. Collectively, these reforms aim to strengthen key economic sectors, stimulate growth, and create a more efficient and inclusive tax framework.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said that communal forces are strengthening their efforts to destroy the idea of India and called for everyone to be united to defend against such attempts. Vijayan was speaking after hoisting the national flag at the Central Stadium here on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day of the country. In his Independence Day address, the CM further said that the country has not been able to realise the dream of the freedom fighters, who sacrificed their lives, of an India without social inequalities. - PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left the ramparts of the Red Fort after hoisting the national flag and addressing the nation on 79th Independence Day. He also met children who were attending the event.

PM Modi concludes his Red Fort speech with 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' chants. Running for 90 minutes, this is the longest-ever Red Fort speech by PM Modi.

PM: Targeted missile action will be conducted under the Sudarshan Chakra Mission. Committed to protect civilians. By 2035, several important regions will be protected by our weapon system

PM Modi announces high-powered demography mission to curb infiltration. This is the first time since 2017 that PM Modi has mentioned infiltrators (ghuspaithiya) in his speech.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), describing it as a “golden page” in India’s history. He noted that the RSS is the largest social service organisation in the world, a statement likely to draw reactions from Congress and other opposition parties.

“In the very near future, we will mark the 200th birth anniversary of the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule with a series of events. His principles and the mantras he shared continue to inspire us—placing priority on the backward and uplifting the poor. By following his vision, we aim to scale new heights of social transformation,” says Prime Minister Modi

"I know what poverty is...I didn't have to read it in books. I have also been in the government. I believe that government should not remain in files, but should be present in the lives of the citizens," said PM Modi.

"25 Crore Indians pulled out of poverty" : Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses Nation from Red Fort on India’s 79th Independence Day

PM: Last decade has been of reform, perform, and transform. Over 40,000 compliances that were not needed were removed. Over 280 sections were axed in the new I-T Bill.

PM: Have decided to set up a taskforce for next generation of reforms

Farmers contribute a lot to our economy, they have made India top producer of several commodities: PM Modi.

PM: I will stand like a rock to any policy which is against India's farmers.

Under Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, those getting first job in private sector will get Rs 15,000 from govt.

PM: Today, we're launching the Rs 1 lakh crore PM-Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana scheme for our youth.

PM: Last decade has been of reform, perform, and transform. Over 40,000 compliances that were not needed were removed. Over 280 sections were axed in the new I-T Bill.

PM: Have decided to set up a taskforce for next generation of reforms

PM: Major GST rates will be reduced by Diwali.

PM: we are bringing Next gen GST reforms by Diwali

PM: Swadeshi should be used not for majboori but for majbooti

PM: Today's generation should work towards making India 'Samridhh Bharat'

PM  Women self help groups have done wonders in last 10 years. Their products are going in global markets

PM: I call upon India’s youth to come up with Innovative ideas, govt is open to reforms needed

PM: Youth who think of manufacturing, move forward, tell us about your ideas. 2047 is not far, we don't want to miss any opportunity.

PM: Work on national manufacturing mission is happening with great speed

PM: We need to focus on quality to establish in global markets. Need to focus on reducing costs. 'Daam Kam, dum zyaada'

In his message to the manufacturers, PM Modi said that we need to progress at a fast speed. He asked the manufacturers to tell him if there is any change in the rules. He said that India is on the path of greater growth and every moment counts.

I trust the competence of India’s youth. We developed our own vaccine during covid, tracking platform, says PM Modi

Shubhanshu Shukla is back from a successful space mission and will soon return to India, says PM Modi

India moving towards becoming Atmanirbhar in critical minerals via National critical mission, says PM Modi

India is going to commence National deep water exploration mission to make India self sufficient in energy, says PM Modi

21st century is technology-driven century, it shows countries that excelled in tech have achieved success, says PM Modi

We have moved on semiconductor manufacturing in mission mode. 6 units of semiconductor manufacturing are taking shape on ground, says PM Modi

4 units of semiconductor manufacturing have got a green signal from govt, says PM Modi

Being dependent on other countries recipe for disaster, we must be self-reliant to safeguard of our interests: PM Modi.

Operation Sindoor would not have been possible without Make in India competence, says PM Modi

Today we are celebrating the 125th anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the first great man to sacrifice his life for the Constitution of India.

When we abrogated Article 370 to fulfil the vision of 'One Nation, One Constitution', we gave him a true tribute.

India and its farmers have sole right over its share of waters: PM Modi on Indus water issue with Pakistan.

Pakistan has lost its sleep after Operation Sindoor, says PM Modi

Our military will decide the time and give fitting response to all acts of terror, says PM Modi

India bows to makers of Constitution on 79th Independence Day: PM Modi in his address to nation from ramparts of Red Fort.

I am seeing 'mini India' in gathering at Red Fort for 79th Independence Day: PM Modi.

Our brave soldiers punished the enemy beyond imagination, says PM Modi on Operation Sindoor

"Whether it's the deserts or the peaks of the Himalayas, the shores of the ocean or the bustling cities, there is one voice across the nation: we all love India more than our lives."

The moment is here! PM Modi begins his Red For speech.

Indian Air Force choppers show a magnificent flypast, and as we told you earlier, we saw the Operation Sindoor flag along with the National Tricolour.

PM Modi hoists Tricolour as ‘Jan Gan Man’ echoes across Red Fort

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Red Fort to lead Independence Day celebrations

In a first for the sport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be joined by 30 of India’s top Kho Kho players at the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort on August 15. The athletes, who recently triumphed in India’s maiden Kho Kho World Cup held in New Delhi in January 2025, were invited to celebrate the growing prominence of the indigenous sport, according to a release from UKK. The move underscores the government’s efforts to elevate traditional Indian games. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has highlighted Kho Kho’s potential inclusion in the Asian Games and the 2036 Olympics, describing it as a “collective effort” by players, federations, and the Sports Ministry to expand the sport’s global presence.

The United States and India, “working together,” will meet the modern challenges of today and secure a brighter future for both nations, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, calling the partnership between New Delhi and Washington “historic, consequential, and far-reaching.” Extending greetings on behalf of the United States to mark India’s Independence Day on Friday, Rubio lauded the bond between “the world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy,” emphasising that the relationship continues to play a pivotal role on the global stage.

Ahead of his Red Fort speech, PM Modi has greeted everyone on the occasion of the Independence Day. In his tweet, he said that this day should inspire us to 'keep working harder.' "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!," PM Modi said in the post.

Snipers and rooftop surveillance teams will be positioned on high-rises near the Red Fort. Access to restricted zones will be tightly controlled through regulated entry mechanisms.

Headcount cameras will be used to monitor crowd sizes, while specialised devices will flag unattended or suspicious objects. Intrusion-detection cameras will keep watch over restricted zones.

For the first time, under-vehicle surveillance systems (UVSS) will be installed at five parking areas near the Red Fort to scan the undersides of vehicles for explosives, weapons, or contraband. Entry to the Red Fort on August 15 will be strictly by invitation, and only labelled vehicles will be allowed nearby.

Security at and around the Red Fort will be reinforced with CCTV cameras, drone detection systems, facial recognition cameras, and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) systems. These tools will monitor the venue and surrounding areas for any suspicious activity.

As part of Independence Day security measures, authorities have directed that no bird feeding points be allowed in areas surrounding the Red Fort. The Delhi Police, in coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), has instructed non-vegetarian eateries to dispose of food waste properly to avoid attracting flocks of birds. This step aims to ensure smooth helicopter operations on August 15.

New Delhi will be on high alert for Independence Day, with snipers stationed on high-rise buildings, extensive camera surveillance across the city, and the deployment of over 11,000 security personnel along with 3,000 traffic police officers to safeguard the Red Fort and surrounding areas. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from the Red Fort, multiple layers of security have been put in place, with personnel from the Delhi Police, Army, and paramilitary forces deployed to ensure a secure environment.

The stock markets will remain shut today, August 15, on account of the 79th Independence Day. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE will observe a full-day holiday. Trading in equity, derivatives, securities lending and borrowing, currency derivatives, and electronic gold receipts will also be suspended for the day. According to the NSE holiday calendar, there are two scheduled market holidays in August — August 15 for Independence Day and August 27 for Ganesh Chaturthi. (Read More)

As the Tricolour is hoisted, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters, captained by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal, will shower flower petals over the venue. One helicopter will carry the National Flag, while the other will display the Operation Sindoor flag.

Led by Junior Warrant Officer M. Deka, the Air Force band will play the National Anthem, with 11 Agniveer Vayu musicians participating for the first time in the Red Fort ceremony

Led by Junior Warrant Officer M. Deka, the Air Force band will play the National Anthem, with 11 Agniveer Vayu musicians participating for the first time in the Red Fort ceremony

Led by Junior Warrant Officer M. Deka, the Air Force band will play the National Anthem, with 11 Agniveer Vayu musicians participating for the first time in the Red Fort ceremony

The National Flag Guard will comprise 128 personnel, equally drawn from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. They will present the Rashtriya Salute as part of the ceremonial proceedings.

Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will assist in hoisting the National Flag, timed precisely with a 21-gun salute from the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns.

The Guard of Honour will include 96 personnel — one officer and 24 members each from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. It will be commanded by Wing Commander AS Sekhon. After the inspection, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts to greet the three service chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

Coordinated by the Indian Air Force, the celebrations will feature a ceremonial Guard of Honour, a 21-gun salute, and a special fly-past carrying both the National Flag and the Operation Sindoor flag, following the Prime Minister’s unfurling of the Tricolour.

The Prime Minister is likely to highlight self-reliance, indigenous innovation, and domestic manufacturing as crucial for achieving the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047. He may frame these priorities as part of a long-term roadmap for national development.

Political watchers will look for hints on foreign policy, especially amid tensions with the United States. Relations have faced friction following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims about mediating between India and Pakistan and using tariffs as leverage on trade.

PM Modi’s address will draw from President Droupadi Murmu’s Independence Day message, which paid tribute to the sacrifices that secured India’s freedom. While acknowledging her sentiments, he is expected to underline his government’s focus on national security, economic growth, and an expanded welfare model.

Hello and welcome to Moneycontrol. As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, stay with us as we bring you all the latest news from Red Fort and other parts of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his 12th Independence Day speech from the historic Red Fort, embracing the official themes for this year — ‘Naya Bharat’ and ‘Operation Sindoor’. This milestone puts him ahead of Indira Gandhi’s 11 consecutive addresses, leaving only Jawaharlal Nehru with a longer streak.