New Delhi: India is gearing up to mark its 79th Independence Day this Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to lead the celebrations from the historic Red Fort in Delhi.

The Prime Minister will raise the National Flag and deliver a speech to the nation from this iconic site.

This year's theme, 'Naya Bharat' (New India), reflects the country's ambitious journey towards achieving the government's vision of a developed India by 2047.

The event aims to celebrate the ongoing progress of a prosperous and secure 'Naya Bharat' and to inspire further advancements, according to an official announcement.

The achievements of 'Operation Sindoor' will also be highlighted during this year's Independence Day festivities.

In preparation for the celebrations, security measures have been significantly enhanced across the national capital.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is coordinating this year's national event, which will include a ceremonial Guard of Honour, a 21-gun salute, and a special flypast featuring both the national flag and the Operation Sindoor flag.

Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi will be welcomed by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

He will then meet with Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Delhi Area, who will guide him to the Saluting Base for the general salute and inspection of the Guard of Honour.

The Guard of Honour, led by Wing Commander A.S. Sekhon, will consist of 96 personnel, including one officer and 24 members each from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police.

After reviewing the Guard of Honour, PM Modi will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort, where he will be greeted by the Chiefs of the three armed forces and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will assist the Prime Minister in raising the Tricolour, synchronized with a 21-gun salute from the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns.

Once the flag is hoisted, it will receive a 'Rashtriya Salute'.

The Air Force band, comprising one Joint Commissioned Officer and 25 other ranks, will perform the national anthem.

Following a shower of flower petals, the Prime Minister will address the nation.

At the end of his speech, cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and 'My Bharat' volunteers will sing the National Anthem.

Around 2,500 cadets (from the Army, Navy, and Air Force) and 'My Bharat' volunteers will participate in the celebrations.

These participants will be positioned on Gyanpath, opposite the Rampart, forming the 'Naya Bharat' logo.

The invitation cards feature the Operation Sindoor logo along with a watermark of the Chenab Bridge.

Approximately 5,000 distinguished guests from various sectors have been invited to attend the celebrations at the Red Fort this year.

This group includes the Indian team from the Special Olympics 2025, international sports event winners, and gold medalists from the Khelo India Para Games.

To foster patriotic spirit and celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor, numerous band performances will take place across India for the first time on the evening of Independence Day.

These performances will be conducted by bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF, and Assam Rifles at over 140 prominent locations nationwide.

Additionally, more than 1,500 individuals from various states and Union Territories, dressed in traditional attire, have also been invited to witness this grand ceremony.