Independence Day 2025 Live Updates: America extends 'warm wishes'; calls India-US ties 'consequential and far-reaching'

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday in her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 79th Independence Day praised the armed forces for their relentless efforts in guarding the nation during Operation Sindoor, which was launched in retaliation for the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack.
Labelling the gruesome killing of innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam as "cowardly and inhuman", President Murmu said that India's response in the form of Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example of humanity's fight against terrorism.

"This year, we had to face the scourge of terrorism. Killing innocent citizens on holiday in Kashmir was cowardly and utterly inhuman. India responded in a decisive manner and with steely resolve. Operation Sindoor showed that our armed forces are prepared to meet any eventuality when it comes to guarding the nation. With strategic clarity and technical capability, they destroyed terrorist hubs across the border. I believe, Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example in humanity's fight against terrorism," President Murmu said in her virtual address to the nation.

Highlighting the country's unity during Operation Sindoor, the President praised the efforts of the multi-party delegations consisting of MPs across party lines. The world came to realise that India will not hesitate to retaliate in defence of its citizens, she said.

"In our response, what was most noticeable was our unity, which is also the most befitting response to those who wanted to divide us. Our unity was also on display in the multi-party delegations of the Members of Parliament that reached out to various nations to explain India's position. The world has taken note of India's stance, that we will not be the aggressor, but we will not hesitate to retaliate in defence of our citizens," President Murmu asserted.

Focusing on the achievement of the defence sector in indigenous manufacturing, the President noted that the outcomes of Operation Sindoor were telling of the fact that India has managed to be self-sufficient in meeting many security requirements.

Operation Sindoor was also a "test case of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the defence sector."

"The outcome has proved that we are on the right path. Our indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes us self-sufficient in meeting many of our security requirements. These are landmark achievements in India's defence history since Independence," President Murmu said.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists.

The government also sent seven multi-party delegations to several countries across the globe to apprise them of India's stand against cross-border terrorism. (

The India Meteorological Department has forecast a cloudy sky with a chance of light rain in Delhi on August 15. Temperatures are expected to range between 23°C and 33°C. No weather warnings have been issued, and the overcast conditions may offer relief from recent humidity.

With just hours to go before India marks its 79th Independence Day, preparations are in full swing at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag and deliver his 12th consecutive address to the nation.
PM Modi will address the nation from the ramparts of the iconic monument.

The tricolour is already visible in shops, on streets, and in markets across the country, with saffron, white and green dominating everything from clothing to everyday items. This year's celebrations carry the theme 'Naya Bharat,' reflecting the government's vision of achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Defence Secretary will introduce Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi area, to the PM.

To maintain mobility on Independence Day, Delhi Traffic Police has proposed multiple detours connecting north-south and east-west corridors. Recommended routes include Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road, Ring Road, and Pusta Road to bypass restricted areas. Authorities have urged citizens to plan journeys in advance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the tricolour and address the nation from the Red Fort on August 15. The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Naya Bharat’. Security and traffic arrangements are in place to ensure smooth conduct of the event.

Key roads in central Delhi, including Netaji Subhash Marg, SP Mukherjee Marg, and Chandni Chowk, will be inaccessible during Independence Day hours due to security and ceremonial arrangements. Only vehicles with authorised passes will be allowed. Delhi Police has advised commuters to avoid the area and opt for suggested diversions to minimise congestion.

Kerala governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has extended greetings to people in Kerala and Malayali communities worldwide ahead of India’s 79th Independence Day. In his message, the Governor urged citizens to uphold democratic values, ensure equality, and honour the sacrifices of countless patriots who fought for freedom. He called for collective efforts toward a “Viksit Bharat” marked by development, inclusion, and self-reliance. He wished everyone a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous future on this occasion.

Security has been beefed up across Nagaland ahead of Friday’s Independence Day celebrations following boycott calls by insurgent groups and a tribal body coalition. Additional Director General of Police Renchamo P. Kikon said all Nagaland Armed Police and Indian Reserve Battalion units have been instructed to maintain high alert, particularly along the Assam–Nagaland border and the international boundary with Myanmar. The NSCN/GPRN (Yung Aung) and ULFA-I have urged people in the region to abstain from participating. Adding to tensions, the 5-Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP) has announced non-participation in protest against the state’s inaction on their demands. Student bodies under the five tribes have barred participation in at least six districts. The government has mandated compulsory attendance for all government staff at Independence Day functions.

Delhi Traffic Police has issued a detailed advisory for August 15, outlining extensive road restrictions between 4 am and 10 am near the Red Fort. Several roads, including Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, Chandni Chowk, and Nishad Raj Marg, will be closed to general traffic. Goods vehicles and inter-state buses will also face restrictions. Alternative routes for north-south, east-west, and intercity travel have been suggested. Public transport and metro use are strongly encouraged, and live updates will be provided on social media.