In pictures: PM Modi leads 79th Independence Day celebrations, reaffirms commitment of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047

As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day today, PM Modi delivered his longest and most decisive address from the Red Fort. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

PM Modi unfurled the national flag at the Red Fort, accompanied by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma and remembered the brave freedom fighters for their contribution to India’s freedom struggle. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

The flag hoisting was synchronised with the 21-Gun Salute by the valiant gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery, utilising the indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns was commanded commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat and the Gun Position Officer Naib Subedar (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Anuthosh Sarkar. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

Soon after the National Flag was hoisted at the venue, flower petals by were showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force - one trooping the national flag and the other trooping a flag depicting ‘Operation Sindoor’. The helicopters were commanded by Wing Commander Vinay Poonia and Wing Commander Aditya Jaiswal. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

Delivering his 12th consecutive and longest Independence Day address, lasting 103 minutes, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi reaffirmed his commitment to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

The success of Operation Sindoor was celebrated during the Independence Day Celebrations this year. View cutter at Gyanpath also had the Operation Sindoor logo. Floral decoration were also based on the operation. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

Approximately 5,000 Special Guests, from different walks of life, and hundreds of people gathered at the Red Fort for the celebrations. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

In a 103-minute Independence Day speech, the Prime Minister hinted at a reduction in GST rates in the coming months. He also announced setting up a task force for bringing the next-generation reforms, highlighting that the country's macroeconomic indicators are strong. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)

At the conclusion of his speech, the cadets of National Cadet Corps (NCC) and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers sang the National Anthem. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

During his speech, PM Modi spoke about India’s success during Operation Sindoor, farmers’ welfare, and launched multiple schemes. He hailed the soldiers involved in Operation Sindoor and reminded Pakistan that “blood and water cannot flow together.” (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

Under Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister, we have witnessed a social and economic churn, evident in development indices, intellectual capital, and the surge in the economy

A total of 2,500 boy & girl cadets (Army, Navy and Air Force) and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers participated in the celebrations. These cadets & ‘My Bharat’ volunteers were seated on Gyanpath, opposite the Rampart forming the ‘Naya Bharat’ logo, which was also the theme of Independence Day this year. (Express Photo)

Calling farmers the backbone of Indian economy, PM Modi acknowledged farmers' contribution in making India top producer of several commodities. (Express Photo)

PM Modi also announced that India will launch Mission Sudarshan Chakra to develop a powerful weapon system capable of thwarting any attempt by enemies to attack the nation. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)