PM Modi's Independence Day speech: When and where to watch Red Fort address live on 15 August

INDIA will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on 15 August with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Every year on 15 August, the prime minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and addresses the nation, outlining the government’s programmes and policies.

The first Independence Day was marked on 15 August 1947, and since then, the Red Fort has hosted the annual flag‑hoisting and the Prime Minister’s speech.

Over the last few years, PM Modi has invited citizens to share their ideas and suggestions for his Independence Day speech. Citizens were invited to share ideas for the address via the MyGov portal, open until 12 August at 11:45 pm.

The celebrations will be broadcast live from 7:30 AM on 15 August. All news channels will cover the celebration, with Doordarshan being the official broadcaster. The PIB will stream the events through all social media channels.

The speech will also be available on the PMO's official YouTube channel, DD News, PMIndia.gov.in and the National Informatics Centre's Independence Day website.

What does Independence Day commemorate?

Independence Day commemorates India’s freedom from British rule in 1947, when the Indian Independence Act transferred sovereignty to the Constituent Assembly. The tradition of the prime minister hoisting the tricolour and addressing the nation began with Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 and continues today.

India became independent on 15 August 1947. By 15 August, the nation will have completed 79 years of independence. However, since the day of independence itself was counted as the first Independence Day, the 2026 celebration will mark India’s 80th Independence Day.