PM Modi to Hoist the Tricolour for the 12th Consecutive Time on Independence Day; Agniveers to Join National Anthem Band for the First Time
New Delhi: India will mark its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort and addressing the nation. This year’s theme is “New India.” Modi’s speech from the historic ramparts will be his 12th consecutive Independence Day address as Prime Minister and is expected to focus on the courage and sacrifices of the armed forces while sharing India’s vision with the global community.
For the first time, 11 Agniveers will be part of the band performing the National Anthem. The official invitation cards for the ceremony will feature the logo of Operation Sindoor and a watermark of the Chenab Bridge, symbolizing the emergence of a “New India.”
Ceremonial Parade Leadership
The Guard of Honour will be commanded by Wing Commander A.S. Sekhon. Major Arjun Singh will lead the Army contingent in the Prime Minister’s Guard, Lieutenant Commander Komaldeep Singh will head the Naval contingent, and Squadron Leader Rajan Arora will command the Air Force contingent. The Delhi Police contingent will be led by Additional DCP Rohit Rajbir Singh.
21-Gun Salute by Indigenous Artillery
The ceremonial 21-gun salute will be presented by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns, under the command of Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat.
National Salute by 128 Personnel
The National Flag Guard will consist of one officer each from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police, along with 32 personnel from each service. A total of 128 personnel will present the national salute during the flag hoisting. Wing Commander Tarun Dagar will lead the combined inter-service and police guard.
Agniveers in the National Flag Guard and Band
In the National Flag Guard, Major Prakash Singh will lead the Army contingent, Lieutenant Commander Mohammad Parvez will head the Navy contingent, and Squadron Leader V.V. Sharavan will command the Air Force contingent. Additional DCP Abhimanyu Poswal will lead the Delhi Police unit. The National Anthem band will be conducted by Junior Warrant Officer M. Deka, marking the first time Agniveers are included in the performance.
Operation Sindoor Theme in Decorations
The success of Operation Sindoor will be prominently highlighted in this year’s celebrations. Viewing areas along Kartavya Path will display the operation’s logo, and floral arrangements will follow the same theme. The invitation cards will also feature the Operation Sindoor logo alongside a watermark of the Chenab Bridge, symbolizing the dawn of a New India.
Following a shower of flower petals, Prime Minister Modi will deliver his Independence Day speech. At the conclusion, cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and volunteers from the Mera Bharat initiative will sing the National Anthem.
