Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolour at New Delhi’s Red Fort and delivered a nationally televised address to mark India’s 79th Independence Day on 15 August. Earlier in the morning he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before arriving at the 17th-century fort that has served as the focal point of independence celebrations since 1947. In his speech, Modi described the day as a “festival of 140 crore resolutions,” invoking the collective aspirations of India’s 1.4 billion people. He saluted the framers of the Constitution—now in its 75th year—and commemorated the 125th birth anniversary of social reformer and principal Constitution architect Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, saying the charter continues to guide the nation “like a lighthouse.” Turning to security, the prime minister praised the armed forces for the recently disclosed Operation Sindoor, which Indian media have described as a strike deep inside Pakistani territory. Reiterating a long-standing stance against cross-border terrorism, he declared that “blood and water will not flow together,” signaling that India will not allow militancy to coexist with normal relations. The address, delivered under heightened security and against a backdrop of banners highlighting Operation Sindoor, capped a series of ceremonial events that included a 21-gun salute and cultural performances. Cabinet ministers and foreign diplomats were among the invited guests, while millions watched the proceedings live on national broadcaster Doordarshan.