79th Independence Day celebrations to highlight Op Sindoor’s success

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in celebrating the 79th Independence Day on Friday, with this year’s events highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor.

“The success of Operation Sindoor will be celebrated during the Independence Day celebrations this year,” the Ministry of Defence said. Floral decorations at the venue will draw inspiration from the operation, and invitation cards will feature its logo as well as a watermark of the Chenab Bridge, symbolising the rise of ‘Naya Bharat’ (New India). One of the two Indian Air Force helicopters showering petals will also carry a flag depicting Operation Sindoor.

On arrival at the Red Fort, Modi will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. A combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police guard will present the salute, followed by the Prime Minister’s inspection of the Guard of Honour. At the flag-hoisting ceremony, Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will assist Modi. The event will be accompanied by a 21-gun salute.

The 96-member Guard of Honour will comprise 24 personnel each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police, led by Wing Commander AS Sekhon. Major Arjun Singh will command the Army contingent, Lieutenant Commander Komaldeep Singh the Naval contingent, Squadron Leader Rajan Arora the Air Force contingent, and Additional DCP Rohit Rajbir Singh the Delhi Police contingent.

The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Naya Bharat’, aimed at reinforcing the country’s progress and aspirations. Around 2,500 NCC cadets will sing the National Anthem, and the Prime Minister will address the nation.

Approximately 5,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds have been invited, including members of India’s Special Olympics 2025 contingent, winners of international sporting events, gold medallists from the Khelo India Para Games, top-performing farmers under various government schemes, outstanding sarpanches from key rural initiatives, young authors under the PM-YUVA scheme, skilled youth trained under PM-VIKAS, successful entrepreneurs from the SC/ST community, beneficiaries of the PM Awaas Yojana and Delhi schoolchildren who have won quiz competitions.