Rajnath Singh Hoists Tricolour on 80th Independence Day

New Delhi, 15 August 2026 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoisted the National Flag at his residence in New Delhi on Saturday as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day. The flag-hoisting marked the beginning of the national celebrations, with the country remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters and reflecting on its journey since gaining independence from British rule in 1947. Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and G Kishan Reddy also hoisted the Tricolour at their respective residences and extended Independence Day greetings. Chouhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort and stressed the importance of serving the country through dedication and honesty. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to lead the main Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, where he will hoist the National Flag and address the nation. The ceremony will be particularly significant this year as 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort for the first time during the Independence Day celebrations. The event will also highlight the role of 'Yuva Shakti' in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Rajnath Singh will be among the dignitaries involved in the Red Fort ceremony, where Prime Minister Modi will receive a Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. The flag-hoisting will be accompanied by a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns, while thousands of special guests from different sections of society are expected to attend. The 80th Independence Day celebrations bring together remembrance of India’s freedom struggle and the country’s aspirations for the future. Rajnath Singh’s flag-hoisting at his residence, followed by the national ceremony at the Red Fort, reflects the significance of the occasion as India looks ahead with the vision of a stronger and more developed nation.