Independence Day 2026 Live Updates: Global leaders extend greetings on 80th Independence Day to India

With jobs and competitive examinations increasingly dominating conversations among Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Gen Z’ population, the Yogi Adityanath government is making a fresh pitch to woo them ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. On Independence Day, the Chief Minister announced an Integrated Youth Policy. Separately, the government is also working on a Youth Commission, wider access to competitive-exam coaching and a mentorship programme for students involving young IAS and IPS officers. “The biggest strength of Uttar Pradesh is its youth power,” Adityanath said. “Our youth are talented, hardworking and full of the determination to achieve something for the country and society. To make the right use of your capabilities and help you realise your potential, the UP government is bringing a new Youth Policy.” Read more

CJP will launch movement to check health facilities in public hospitals; people suffer due to delays in treatment: Abhijeet Dipke in Maharashtra.

If the constitutional structure of Jammu & Kashmir had not been changed in 2019, the people from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) would have been protesting today to “reunite with us”, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, calling for “returning of what has been snatched from us”. In his Independence Day speech, Omar called for strengthening federalism in the country, warning that when central agencies are used to usurp the powers of the state, it results in what “we saw at Jantar Mantar“.

“When I see the situation on the other side of the border, I feel that the decision our leaders took for us 80 years ago was the right one. The people, who raised slogans ‘Hamla awar khabardar, hum Kashmiri hain tayyar‘ (the invaders be informed that we Kashmiris are ready) were right. The people made sacrifices, those sacrifices were (for) the right (cause),” Omar said. Read full report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday. In his trademark style, the 75-year-old sported a striking traditional red tie-and-dye Bandhani pagdi (turban) handcrafted in Rajasthan with a long trailing end. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, pagdis symbolise honour, celebration, courage, and auspicious beginnings. Read full article

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann issued a stern warning to forces attempting to disturb peace and communal harmony, asserting that “seeds of hatred can never germinate” in the state during his Independence Day address. Mann did not name any political rival, party or organisation during his address and largely avoided political attacks, focusing instead on Punjab’s contribution to the freedom struggle, the trauma of Partition, and the achievements of the AAP government. Read full report

The BJP on Saturday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for skipping the official Independence Day event at the Red Fort, saying his mindset reflects that of the "Dimagi Naxal" ecosystem. Several ministers, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar, were present, besides Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and principal secretaries to the prime minister, PK Mishra and Shaktikanta Das.

"Rahul Gandhi misses being present at Red Fort. Can any patriotic LOP (Leader of Opposition), or an individual holding public office, commit such a voluntary act? Rahul Gandhi is unfit to be LoP. Rahul Gandhi's mindset reflects that of a 'Dimagi Naxal' ecosystem!" BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said on X. This is the second straight year that Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge have skipped the official Independence Day event at the Red Fort.

PM Modi interacted with schoolchildren at the Red Fort after delivering his Independence Day address. As soon as the Prime Minister concluded his speech, a group of schoolchildren dressed in white, green and saffron rushed towards him. Modi stopped to interact with them and shook hands with several children, creating an emotional moment at the culmination of his Independence Day address. (Express photo by Praveen Khanna)

PM Modi has reiterated India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympics and announced a nationwide talent hunt to identify sporting talent among children aged five to 15 years. Addressing the nation, he said India's performance in sports has been improving, and the country is moving forward as a strong contender to bid for the 2036 Olympics. The Prime Minister said there are around 40 sports and nearly 325-350 events, but India does not participate or qualify in nearly two-thirds of them.

"In 2030, India is also going to host the Commonwealth Games," PM Modi said. "We have decided that the Olympics 2036 should be held in India. In the disciplines in which India does not play or qualify, India will focus on these disciplines, and we will launch a talent hunt campaign," he added.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi extended Independence Day wishes to citizens, asserting that freedom was not merely a gift but also a responsibility. He said this responsibility lies in walking the path of truth and non-violence, holding the values of the Constitution and the Tricolour in one's heart, and "safeguarding democracy under all circumstances". He expressed pride in youth protecting the democratic values of the country.

"Heartfelt Independence Day greetings to all fellow citizens. Freedom is not merely a gift bestowed upon us by our freedom fighters, but also a responsibility. This responsibility is to walk the path of truth and non-violence, to hold the values of the Constitution and the Tricolour in our hearts, and to safeguard democracy under all circumstances. I am proud that our fellow citizens, especially the youth, are united in protecting these values," Gandhi posted on X.

सभी देशवासियों को स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।

आज़ादी हमारे स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों द्वारा दिया गया सिर्फ़ एक तोहफ़ा नहीं, बल्कि एक ज़िम्मेदारी भी है।

यह ज़िम्मेदारी है सत्य और अहिंसा के रास्ते पर चलने की, संविधान और तिरंगे के मूल्यों को अपने दिल में रखने की और हर हाल… pic.twitter.com/LXTnFuL3wY

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 15, 2026

The Indian Express reports from Mysore on 99-year-old YC Revanna, who is one of the city's last two surviving registered freedom fighters. In 1942, Revanna had jumped out of the school window with many of his friends and classmates to join the Quit India movement. He believes the leaders of the time had inspired them to skip classes that day.

“The leaders we had were very promising: Devaraj Urs, S Nijalingappa, and MN Jois (popularly known as Lion of Mysore), they made us feel the significance of freedom. It (joining the protest) was really about a fascination with how our participation could drive out the British, and we could rule ourselves,” says Revanna, who will be turning 100 next year around Independence Day. Read full report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a 75-minute Independence Day speech on Saturday, the shortest in four years and his fourth shortest ever. Last year, he delivered a 103-minute speech, breaking his own record of a 98-minute address delivered on the 78th Independence Day in 2024.

Here is the duration of PM Modi's speech over last few years:

2025 Independence Day speech: 103 minutes

2024 Independence Day speech: 96 minutes

2023 Independence Day speech: 90 minutes

2022 Independence Day speech: 74 minutes

2021 Independence Day speech: 88 minutes

2020 Independence Day speech: 90 minutes

2019 Independence Day speech: 92 minutes

2018 Independence Day speech: 83 minutes

2017 Independence Day speech: 56 minutes

2016 Independence Day speech: 96 minutes

2015 Independence Day speech: 88 minutes

2014 Independence Day speech: 65 minutes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed how the country has successfully uprooted naxalism from the country, remembering the sacrifice of thousands of martyred security personnel on the 80th Independence Day while addressing the nation on the iconic ramparts of Red Fort.

"Naxalism, Maoism destroyed the dreams of lakhs of youth. It stole the sons of numerous mothers, crushed the dreams of numerous mothers. This naxalism had kept a large part of India and population as a hostage for 4 decades with the barrel of a gun, they had destroyed the Constitution," PM Modi said during his Independence Day address.

"More than 3,500 security personnel were martyred while protecting the people of the country. More police personnel were killed than soldiers in war, police personnel had to put their lives on the line so that people can get security. This naxalism had covered the country in blood. In 2014, when you gave us the opportunity we had decided that we will rid the country of naxalism, and today I am happy to announce that naxalism does not have even the strength for breathing," the Prime Minister added.

PM Modi, however, warned against 'dimagi naxals', who are there in various parts of the country and need to be "identified, and isolated" so the youth of the country can be brought together for a developed India.

"For years, people with Maoist thinking were there in public life, even in government committees this thinking had affected various institutions and initiatives. My dear countrymen, we have been able to curb and free the country from 'hathariya naxal' (armed naxal). Even if these naxals are gone, but the 'dimagi naxal' (people with naxal thinking), are looking for an opportunity, looking to see ways of violence, and trying to drag the country to a wrong path. We need to identify these dimagi naxal, isolate them, and bring the youth together for a developed country," PM Modi said.

During his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for making India a global hub for defence manufacturing, placing special emphasis on self-reliance in advanced capabilities such as hypersonic technology and drone systems.

The prime minister said that work on Sudarshan Chakra, an indigenous air defence system, is going on at a fast pace. The Sudarshan Chakra is aimed at boosting India's air defence system to protect vital military and civilian installations and to deliver a decisive response to any enemy threat.

The armed forces are working on the project amid concerns over security challenges emanating from Pakistan and China. The prime minister said expanding domestic defence production is critical to boosting India's strategic strength.

As India marks its 80th Independence Anniversary, Indian embassies, high commissions, and international partner nations across the globe have rolled out vibrant celebrations, cultural showcases, and high-profile diplomatic gestures. From flag-hoisting ceremonies in East Asia to landmark illuminations in South America, missions worldwide have united in commemorating the historic milestone. The Indian consulates across the US reported wide-ranging recognition from American governors and state leaders, PTI reported.

I want to seek help from you. I want the youngsters to lead in this. An hour or two from your will help the country. These days, there is census work happening in the country, enumeration is going on. It is key to have important information. When government representatives come to the doorstep, there are spelling mistakes that happen. This time around, you can self-enumerate, someone will surely come later. But if you give the correct information on digital platform, it will help the country a lot. I urge youth to help their families and work in filling correct information, and join the national cause of census: PM Modi in Independence Day address

Speaking of women's reservation, PM Modi said, "We passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. However, for some or other reason, in the political arena, this dream has been the target of politics over the last 40 years. I want to urge all political parties from the Red Fort while standing in the shadow of the Tri-colour, I appeal to them, come, let us worship the capabilities of women, and let us empower them with 33 per cent representation. You too join this initiative and take credit."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Opposition parties to support government in implementing 33% reservation for women in the Parliament and state legislatures. The Bill to ensure women reservation, part of the Delimitation package, was stalled in the Budget Session of the Parliament.

PM Modi said that though India has curbed naxalism in affected areas, the country should identify the 'dimagi naxali' (or ideological naxals) and isolate them.

"More soldiers from the police and other forces had died due to Naxalism than in the armed forces. We had taken a resolve to make India Naxal-free. Places where the land was bloodied, are Naxal-free now. For years, people with Maoist thought had found place in policymaking. In our jungles, we have been successful in weeding out Naxals with weapons, but those with this mentality are still around. We have to find and isolate these 'dimagi naxal (Those with naxal mentality)," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said one crore youths in the country will be given training in Artificial Intelligence.

PM Modi said India will establish a network to provide free coaching facilities to its youth so that their family doesn't face economic pressure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday invoked saptadhara – seven streams, which he said the country has to follow for a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. Speaking of saptadhara, he said, "We need to increase the speed of reforms. This is not a compulsion or buzz-word, it is our conviction. We are aboard the reform express. We are moving towards next-level reforms. My dear countrymen, I also want to look back at that era, we knew of India’s self-reliance as saptasindhu. In the coming five-seven years, we have to move ahead with the thought of saptadhara – seven streams."

Here are the seven streams which PM Modi detailed during his Independence Day address:

- Manufacturing: "We want to create for the entire value chain, from components to big manufacturing. I want to stress on three things for the manufacturing sector. Cost, quality, and scale. We have to meet global standards. Our factories have to be competitive, products should be user-friendly, packaging should attract people across the world, precision and zero-defect manufacturing should be our identity. We should be known for quality, this should be our calling card," PM Modi said.

- Farming and food processing: PM Modi highlighted the potential of agriculture and farming to achieve the dream of a developed nation.

- Technology and innovation: "Today it is the era of space, quantum, robotics. Emerging technologies are challenging us. We have to become an innovation hub. Digital public technologies have to be taken to the world. Made in India 6G should reach all corners," PM Modi said.

- Gati Shakti: PM Modi said India has seamless fast connectivity and there is a need to connect cities with high-speed railway, modal highways, inland waterways, multi-modal logistics. Ports-led development has to be the focus, he said.

- Raksha Shakti: "To be self-reliant in defence is an imperative, when everyone is looking for themselves. We have to develop drones, hyper-sonic technologies. Cyber-security has to be harnessed through youth," he said.

- Green and blue economy: PM Modi said India needs to achieve green mobility and green manufacturing. "We have to give solutions to the world on global warming. We have several opportunities in the blue economy in coastal tourism, fisheries," he said.

- Soft power: "The seventh stream we have to focus is on is soft power. Yoga has connected the world, it is our energy. We have holistic healthcare, we have to further Heal in India. We gave films, the creative world, gaming, we can show our flair in the creative world. We have over a 100 national parks, but to attract global tourists, we have fallen short. We have the capability to do it. Concert economy is growing, each artist wants to come to India and we should enable this," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has the potential to attract global tourists and the country has to world on that area. He said the country has several national parks, concert economy and other sites to attract global tourists.

PM Modi said defence is part of 'saptdhara' or seven streams. He said India has to work towards defence manufacturing and Atmanirbhar defence.

PM Modi said India is heading for next-level reforms where every section of the country has to reset their targets for a 'Viksit Bharat'. PM Modi said the first area of saptdhara is manufacturing sector.

"We have to take forward the manufacturing sector, we have to make both small and big products. The entire value chain should be ours. We want complete product, from design to manufacturing," PM Modi said.

"The work on railway electrification began in 1925. However, for 90 years after that, only 30% was electrified. Only 30% in 90 years. Now look at our speed. Within a decade we have completed the job (of railway electrification). This has saved fuel imports, has benefited environment. We have not stopped here. We have touched a new frontier and run a new hydrogen train. This is the longest and most powerful hydrogen train," PM Modi said at Red Fort.

Over 50 lakh households in country now covered by solar energy: PM Modi in Independence Day address

India has set up semiconductor plants in its bid to become 'aatmanirbhar'; production has started already: PM Modi

We are also engaged in making ourselves self-reliant in critical minerals. We announced a critical mineral corridor, many countries are reposing their faith in us on this issue. Similarly, energy’s importance is rising. It is impossible to run a modern world without energy, hence, whether it is chips, data centres, we need energy security, it is the need of the times: PM Modi at Red Fort

PM Modi said that the country has to be 'atmanirbhar' (self-reliant) so that India doesn't have to rely on any other country. He cited 'Make in India' and 'Vocal for Local' as some of the initiatives taken by the government. He said in the world of technology, India is understanding the value of chips and that's why India has set up three semiconductor plant. He added several other semiconductor plants will be set up in the near future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his government took 25 crore people out of poverty. He said in the last 12 years, the nation has expedite its development. "It is impossible now to stop 140 crore Indians who are marching with resolve towards develoment," he added.

Our resolve should be high, because when resolve are set high, then our attempt is also greater. India is also seeing a dream, of achieving new heights. When the nation will achieve 100 years of Independence Day in 2047, we have to make the country a developed nation. We have to achieve this dream: PM Modi

PM Modi starts his address from Red Fort. He paid tributes to the freedom fighters who laid their lives for the country's freedom.

Vande Mataram is being played at Red Fort ahead of the flag-hoisting.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day and paid tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle.

In a post on X, Shah said, "Heartfelt Independence Day greetings to all fellow citizens of the country." "On the occasion of Independence Day, I pay my deepest respects to all the brave warriors who dedicated their all for the freedom of Mother India. Let us, on this Independence Day, resolve to accelerate the construction of a developed, prosperous, and self-reliant India," Shah wrote on X.

समस्त देशवासियों को स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।

स्वतंत्रता दिवस के अवसर पर माँ भारती की आजादी के लिए अपना सर्वस्व अर्पित करने वाले सभी वीर सेनानियों को कोटि-कोटि नमन करता हूँ।

आइए, इस स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर विकसित, समृद्ध और आत्मनिर्भर भारत के निर्माण को और गति देने का… pic.twitter.com/9QWOj9kTGV

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 15, 2026

On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X: "Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day. We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharat."

Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day.

We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharat.…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2026