PM Modi's 13th Red Fort address on India's 80th Independence Day
Synopsis
Modi's 13th straight Red Fort address on India's 80th Independence Day wasn't just ceremonial — it marked a record among non-Congress PMs and introduced 'Vande Mataram' as a formal part of the programme for the first time, anchoring the day around youth, heritage, and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort on 15 August 2025 , a record among non-Congress prime ministers.
Modi credited 140 crore Indians for the country's progress and paid tribute to freedom fighters who ended colonial rule.
The celebrations marked the 150th anniversary of national song 'Vande Mataram' , which was sung at the Red Fort for the first time as part of official Independence Day proceedings.
NCC cadets and My Bharat Volunteers participated in a mass singing of 'Vande Mataram' during the ceremony.
The day's theme centred on 'Yuva Shakti' and India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 — Viksit Bharat @ 2047 .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August 2025 greeted the nation on its 80th Independence Day, delivering his 13th consecutive address from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi — a record among non-Congress prime ministers. Modi paid tribute to freedom fighters and credited India's 140 crore citizens for driving the country's progress across sectors.
Modi's Message to the Nation
In a post on X, the Prime Minister extended warm greetings and invoked the sacrifices of India's independence movement. 'We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharat,' Modi said.
He also highlighted India's ongoing development trajectory. 'Powered by 140 crore Indians, our nation is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors,' the Prime Minister said, expressing hope that 'this journey keep progressing at an even greater pace in the times to come.'
Record-Setting Milestone at Red Fort
Saturday's address marks a significant constitutional and political milestone. Modi has now delivered 13 consecutive Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort, surpassing the record previously held by non-Congress prime ministers. The address followed the unfurling of the Tricolour, a 21-gun salute, and a ceremonial showering of flowers from a helicopter.
Vande Mataram's 150th Anniversary Takes Centre Stage
This year's celebrations carry special significance, anchored around the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram'. For the first time in the history of Independence Day observances at the Red Fort, 'Vande Mataram' was rendered as part of the official programme, with NCC cadets and My Bharat Volunteers participating in a mass singing event.
The theme of 'Yuva Shakti' — youth power — ran through the day's programme, reflecting the government's framing of India's young population as the primary engine of the country's journey toward Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the centenary of independence.
Nationwide Celebrations
Independence Day events were held across India, from state capitals to district headquarters. The Red Fort programme, as is tradition, served as the centrepiece of national observances. The participation of youth volunteers and NCC cadets in the 'Vande Mataram' chorus added a new dimension to a ceremony that has remained largely unchanged in structure for decades. Modi's address is expected to set the agenda for government priorities in the months ahead.
Point of View
And the symbolism is deliberate. The first-ever formal inclusion of 'Vande Mataram' in the Red Fort programme signals a continued reshaping of Independence Day's cultural register. The 'Yuva Shakti' framing is consistent with the government's demographic dividend messaging, but the Viksit Bharat 2047 target remains a vision without a publicly released scorecard — making it difficult to assess whether India is on track or simply on-brand.
NationPress
15 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PM Modi say on India's 80th Independence Day?
PM Modi greeted the nation on 15 August 2025, crediting '140 crore Indians' for the country's progress and paying tribute to freedom fighters. He expressed hope that India's development journey would 'keep progressing at an even greater pace in the times to come.'
What record did PM Modi set at the Red Fort on Independence Day 2025?
Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, setting a new record among non-Congress prime ministers for the most consecutive speeches at the historic monument.
What is the significance of Vande Mataram at this year's Independence Day?
This year marks the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram', India's national song. For the first time, it was formally rendered as part of the Independence Day programme at the Red Fort, with NCC cadets and My Bharat Volunteers joining in a mass singing.
What was the theme of Independence Day 2025?
The celebrations focused on 'Yuva Shakti' — youth power — and India's aspiration to become a fully developed nation by 2047, framed as Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The role of young Indians in achieving this goal was a central thread of the day's programme.
What ceremonies were held at the Red Fort on 15 August 2025?
The Red Fort programme included the unfurling of the Tricolour, a 21-gun salute, a ceremonial showering of flowers from a helicopter, a mass singing of 'Vande Mataram', and PM Modi's address to the nation.
