​India at 79: PM Modi leads Independence Day celebrations - In pics​

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on Friday, August 15 on its 79th Independence Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the 79th Independence Day celebrations by visiting Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, to pay floral tributes to the Father of the Nation. Dressed in his trademark kurta and a colourful turban, Modi observed a brief silence at the site before proceeding to the Red Fort.

PM Modi said Independence Day is "a festival of hope and aspirations". "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," Modi said in a post on X.

"I salute the valour of our bravehearts. Through Operation Sindoor, our soldiers have responded with a force beyond the enemy’s imagination. On April 22nd, terrorists from across the border targeted and killed innocent civilians after asking their religion. The entire nation was enraged," the PM said.

Speaking from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s brave soldiers delivered a crushing blow to its enemies, far beyond their expectations. He noted that the armed forces struck deep into Pakistani territory, destroying terrorist bases.

On arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth before receiving the Guard of Honour. (Pic credit: X/PTI)

Moments after the Prime Minister hoisted the National Flag, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters showered flower petals over the venue — one carrying the tricolour and the other a flag symbolising Operation Sindoor. (Pic credit: X/PTI)