India Independence Day 2020: Jaishankar thanks Russia, Bhutan, other countries for their wishes

India Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: Security has been tightened at Red Fort ahead of Independence Day.

India Independence Day 2020 Live Updates:

PM Modi's seventh straight Independence Day address comes days after he performed the ‘bhoomi pujan’ of Ram temple in Ayodhya and amid a standoff at the border with Chinese troops.

In a strong message to Pakistan and China, without taking names of the either country, PM Modi said, "Those who challenge India's sovereignty, be it LoC or LAC, have been given a befitting reply in their own language. What India can do, the world has seen it in Ladakh." Talking about Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said India is committed to holding assembly elections in the Valley once delimitation exercise is complete.

On Ram temple, he said, "Construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya started 10 days ago. The Ramjanmbhoomi issue that persisted for centuries, has been resolved peacefully now. The conduct of people of the country has been exemplary and is an inspiration for the future."

Multilayered security arrangements and a mandatory adherence to social distancing norms are in place for the 74th Independence Day celebrations at the Mughal-era Red Fort this year. A security ring, including NSG snipers, elite SWAT commandos and kite catchers, will be placed around the Red Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation.

The Delhi Police has made multilayered arrangements in connection with the Independence Day celebrations. Necessary coordination has been made with other agencies like the NSG, SPG and ITBP.

"All the agencies will work in close coordination with each other to cater to all kinds of threat inputs. SWAT teams and ?Parakram' vans have been strategically stationed," Anil Mittal, Additional PRO Delhi Police, said.

There will be heavy security deployment along the route taken by the prime minister to reach Red Fort. Over 300 cameras have been installed for security and their footage is being monitored round-the-clock, police said.

Over 350 Delhi Police personnel, who will be part of the guard of honour, have been quarantined as a precautionary measure. These personnel of the force of all ranks -- from constable to deputy commissioner of police -- have been quarantined at a newly built police colony in Delhi Cantonment, police said.

Police personnel have also been asked to keep an eye on the sky to ensure that no stray kites are seen in the areas around the Red Fort. Police have also been carrying out anti-sabotage checks, visiting hotels in the vicinity in search of suspicious elements, they had said.

The Red Fort has already been closed for public ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.