INDEPENDENCE DAY 2026: PM NARENDRA MODI ARRIVES AT RED FORT TO LEAD 80TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

The Prime Minister was received by top defence leadership before inspecting the ceremonial Guard of Honour at the historic ramparts.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the historic Red Fort on Saturday morning to lead the nation's 80th Independence Day celebrations.

Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was received by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Following the formal welcome, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh introduced the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Rajesh Sethi, to the Prime Minister.

Lt. Gen. Rajesh Sethi then conducted PM Modi to the Saluting Base, where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard presented a general salute. The Prime Minister subsequently inspected the ceremonial Guard of Honour, comprising personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Joined by military chiefs and dignitaries, the Prime Minister moved to unfurl the National Flag to the accompaniment of a traditional 21-gun salute, ahead of delivering his 13th consecutive Independence Day address to the nation.