Independence Day 2026 Highlights: India marks 80th Independence Day with tributes, flag hoisting and celebrations
Independence Day 2026 Highlights: India marks Independence Day with tributes, flag hoisting and celebrations.
In Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel hoisted the national flag in Amreli as part of the state's Independence Day celebrations. The ceremony marked the occasion with the unfurling of the Tricolour and reaffirmed the spirit of patriotism and national unity.
In Vadodara, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also hoisted the Tricolour during an Independence Day ceremony.
In Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini hoisted the national flag at Government College in Hansi. The ceremony was held as part of the state's celebrations marking 80 years of India's independence.
In Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hoisted the Tricolour at the Police Parade Ground in Raipur. The flag-hoisting ceremony formed part of the state's main Independence Day programme.
In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hoisted the Tricolour in Bhubaneswar, joining citizens and officials across the state in commemorating the country's Independence Day.
In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hoisted the National Flag at the Veterinary College in Guwahati. The ceremony marked the state's participation in the nationwide celebrations.
The flag-hoisting ceremonies were held across states as the country marked the 80th anniversary of Independence, with government institutions, schools, colleges, security forces and citizens participating in programmes centred on patriotism, national unity and the contributions of freedom fighters.
The celebrations across the country followed the national ceremony at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour and addressed the nation.
The Prime Minister's Independence Day address focused on India's development journey and the goal of building a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, with emphasis on self-reliance, youth, technology, infrastructure, reforms and national security.
This year's celebrations also carry special significance as India marks 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. The National Song was rendered at the Red Fort ceremony as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
Across the states, the flag-hoisting ceremonies served as a reminder of the sacrifices made during India's freedom struggle and the country's continuing journey towards development and progress.
From Gujarat and Haryana to Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Assam, the participation of state leaders in the celebrations reflected the nationwide spirit of Independence Day, with the Tricolour flying at official venues and public institutions across the country.
The celebrations also highlighted the role of citizens and young people in carrying forward the values associated with India's freedom struggle and contributing towards the country's future development.
Wrap Up: Here's all you need to know about PM Modi's I-Day address
- Target set for ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047
- Free online coaching announced for competitive exams
- AI skill training planned for more than 1 crore youth
- Call for a self-reliant India
- Seven-point ‘Reform Saptadhara’ roadmap outlined
- Piped gas and solar energy expansion highlighted
- Vibrant civil defence’ network proposed
- Wider Olympic participation targeted for 2036
- Dimaagi Naxals’ identified as the next target
- Shortest Independence Day speech in four years
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Student leader Devendra Mahto alleges police stopped him from joining Tiranga Yatra in Jharkhand's Ranchi
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Exam protesters take out Tiranga Yatra in Ranchi; Devendra Mahto, on fast for 14 days, claims police not allowing him to attend march
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: 9 lakh people have registered under Ayushman Yojana in Delhi so far; our aim is to provide better facilities: CM Rekha Gupta at I-Day event
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: CJI Surya Kant speaks at Independence Day event
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: 'We don’t have sea, resources like Odisha'
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Assam CM talks about state's economy in I-day address
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Cong hits back at PM's 'dimaagi Naxals' attack, dubs him 'master abuser'
The Congress hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday for his "dimaagi Naxals" attack and termed it a "sure sign of desperation".
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the prime minister first attacked his opponents as "urban Naxals" and is now calling them "dimaagi Naxals". He termed Modi a "master abuser" in entire political science.
"First he called his opponents 'urban naxals'. Now he calls them 'dimaagi naxals'. It is a sure sign of his desperation. It is a separate matter that he ends up doing whatever these so-called 'urban naxals' or now 'dimaagi naxals' are demanding or advocating.
"It is not for nothing that the PM has a MA being the 'Master Abuser' in Entire Political Science that he is," Ramesh said in a post on X.
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: May the Tiranga always inspire us to realise our shared vision of a Viksit Bharat, says PM Modi
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: CM Shivakumar announces AI education programme for schools in K'taka
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday announced the AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula programme to introduce artificial intelligence education in schools across the state and equip students to compete at the global level.“We are now entering a new technological era. The AI campaign and Coding Gurukula — this is your era, a new era,” Shivakumar said in his Independence Day speech from the sprawling Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground here.
He said his government has already formulated programmes to transform the skills of today's youth and enable them to compete globally, adding that AI education would be introduced in schools across Karnataka from Class 6.
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: How Sensex skyrocketed 8,500% in less than 35 years since 1991 liberalisation reforms
Sensex was launched in January, 1986, soon after which India faced a massive balance of payment crisis that almost pushed the country on the edge of bankruptcy. The then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh warned that the foreign exchange reserves had fallen to such low levels that it would suffice to finance imports for only a fortnight. The government scrambled for emergency loans to protect the economy. Sensex back then was trading below 1,000.
Read more: Independence Day 2026: How Sensex skyrocketed 8,500% in less than 35 years since 1991 liberalisation reforms
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Guilty won't be spared, says Jharkhand CM amid student protests
Appointment process through JPSC-JSSC to be expedited to boost youth's confidence in govt: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren in I-Day Speech.
Exam reforms personal mission, urge students, parents to come forward with suggestions; providing employment priority: Jharkhand CM
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi delivers shortest I-Day speech in 4 years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a 75-minute Independence Day speech on Saturday, the shortest in four years and his fourth shortest ever.
On India's 79th Independence Day last year, Modi had delivered a 103-minute speech, breaking his own record of a 98-minute address delivered on the 78th Independence Day in 2024.
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi concludes his Independence Day speech at Red Fort; check key statements
We will strive towards making a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. This is the collective resonance of more than 140 crore nationals.
We should strive towards making a country self-reliant. We need to protect our own interests.
Before 2014, only 70 cities in India had access to piped gas. Now, more than 700 cities have been connected to piped gas, essentially over 1.45 crore households. Solar energy capacity has been increased to 106 GW.
India is on its way on ‘Reform Express.’ Next level reforms are needed for 2047 goals.
The seven reform Saptadhara goals:
Reform 1 – Manufacturing power
Reform 2 – Food production and processing.
Reform 3- Technology and innovation.
Reform 4 – Gatishakti seamless fast connectivity, modern highways, inland waterways.
Reform 5 – Defence measures.
Reform 6 – Green and Blue economy.
Reform 7 – Soft power
In the next one year, we will train more than one crore youth with Artificial intelligence.
Free online coaching for various competitive exams to be given to our students.
In 2036, we aim to participate in categories which are still untouched by us in the Olympics. Talent Hunt campaign will be run to tap those in the 5-15 year age-group.
PM Modi calls for ‘vibrant civil defence’ network to tackle modern challenges
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: I appeal to youngsters to actively participate in ongoing Census exercise, says PM Narendra Modi
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi says India to set up network of civil defence
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM says next target to eliminate 'Dimaagi Naxals'
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Have to isolate 'dimaagi Naxals', says PM Modi in Independence Day speech from Red Fort
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi announces free coaching for students
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi promises AI skill training for youth in address to nation
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi talks about role of youth in nation building
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi highlights AI skills training in Independence Day address from Red Fort
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Our aim should be to have 50 Indian companies in Fortune 500, says PM Narendra Modi
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi announces 'Shakti ki Sapta Dhara' for next-generation reforms
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is entering the next phase of reforms, with every section of the country needing to reset its goals to achieve the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: India rapidly progressed in the last 12 years, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India has rapidly progressed in the last 12 years, with significant progress in the digital, manufacturing, infrastructure and social welfare sectors.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort after hoisting the national flag on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Modi said, “This speed of progress has been witnessed by the country for the first time since independence.”
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi talks about India's energy supplies amid Iran-US war
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi talks about India harnessing alternative sources of energ energy; check key statements
- India moving forward on harnessing alternative sources of energy: PM Modi
- We have set target of 200 GW nuclear energy; setting up 5 new nuclear reactors: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Piped gas reaching 1.75 crore households today: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Over 50 lakh households in country now covered by solar energy: PM Modi in his address to nation
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: India moving forward on harnessing alternative sources of energy, says PM Modi
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi underscores importance of India's energy security
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Many countries are now depending on India for critical minerals, says PM Modi in address to nation
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi talks about India becoming a developed nation from Red Fort
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi highlights India's aspirations on 80th Independence Day
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: A country becomes great when it moves forward on the basis of its dreams and aspirations: PM Modi
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi outlines India's Viksit Bharat vision for 2047
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi pays tribute to freedom fighters
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: 'Every heart is beating with rhythm of Vande Mataram'
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi begins address to nation from Red Fort
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: 'Vande Mataram' rendered at Red Fort for the first time on Independence Day; watch the historic moment
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: 'Vande Mataram' played during Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi hoists the Tricolour at Red Fort ahead of nation address
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi adorns red tie-and-dye turban for Red Fort celebrations
The Prime Minister paired a white kurta with a chocolate-brown waistcoat, while the vibrant Rajasthani-Gujarati style turban stood out as the centerpiece of his attire. He also wore saffron, white and green pocket squares, reflecting the colours of the Indian tricolour.
Over the years, Modi's Independence Day headgear has become a visual hallmark of the celebrations. In 2025, he wore a multicoloured Rajasthani leheriya turban in shades of orange, yellow and green, continuing the tradition of showcasing India's rich textile heritage.
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Amit Shah extends greetings
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Guard of Honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to the nation and paid tribute to the freedom fighters, remembering their sacrifice in the fight against colonial rule.
In a post on X, PM Modi said the dreams of the freedom fighters continue to inspire the country as it works towards building a Viksit Bharat.
PM Modi wished for India's growth journey to progress at a greater pace.
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi reaches Red Fort for celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Delhi's Red Fort to lead India's 80th Independence Day celebrations.
He was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Defence Secretary then introduced the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Rajesh Sethi, to the Prime Minister before the ceremonial proceedings began.
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi's convoy reaches Red Fort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Raj Ghat here on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.
Ahead of his address to the nation from the Red Fort, the prime minister visited the memorial of the Father of the Nation and paid homage to him.
Earlier, 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.
He also paid tributes to the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule.Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Delhi likely to witness light rain, cloudy skies on Independence Day
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Russian envoy extends greetings
Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov extended greetings to India on its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, expressing confidence in the country's continued development and reaffirming the ties between the two countries.
In a post on X, Alipov said that given India's "predetermined path of development", there was no doubt that the country's dreams would come true.
"Dear friends, Happy Independence Day! Looking at India's predetermined path of development, there is no doubt that all your dreams will come true," the Russian Ambassador said.
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Security tightened in Delhi, Gurugram after bomb threats
Security has been tightened in Delhi and Gurugram ahead of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, with security agencies on high alert across key locations.
Security has been particularly intensified at the Red Fort following a bomb threat email received ahead of Independence Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 80th Independence Day Celebrations from the Red Fort.
Security has also been put on high alert in Gurugram and other cities in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Security personnel and agencies are maintaining heightened vigilance at important locations as part of the arrangements for Independence Day.
Earlier on Friday, a bomb threat was received by the Delhi High Court through email, Joint Secretary of the Delhi High Court, Advocate Kunal, said.
The email threat was purportedly originated from Babar Khalsa Canada and contained references to Khalistan.
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: US' Marco Rubio greets India on Independence Day
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: PM Modi to lead India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Saturday, and address the nation from its ramparts for the 13th consecutive time, setting a new record among non-Congress prime ministers.
PM Modi will unfurl the Tricolour from the Red Fort before delivering his Independence Day address, continuing a tradition he has maintained since becoming Prime Minister in 2014. With his 13th consecutive address, he will become the most successful non-Congress Prime Minister in terms of consecutive Independence Day addresses from the Red Fort.