New Delhi, August 15 (HS) : The historic ramparts of the Red Fort witnessed not only the grand celebrations of India’s 79th Independence Day today but also a special commemoration of the Armed Forces’ recent triumph in Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. The venue was adorned with floral arrangements inspired by the operation’s theme, and the skies came alive as two Air Force helicopters showered petals over the gathering.

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, highlighting that the advanced weaponry used during Operation Sindoor was indigenously produced under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The Prime Minister began the day by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, after which he proceeded to the Red Fort. He was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Delhi Area General Officer Commanding Lt. Gen. Bhavnish Kumar introduced the PM to the ceremonial Guard of Honour, which comprised 24 personnel each from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. This year, the Indian Air Force coordinated the Independence Day ceremonial proceedings, with Wing Commander A.S. Sekhon leading the Guard.

Commanders for the service detachments included Major Arjun Singh (Army), Lt. Commander Komaldeep Singh (Navy), Squadron Leader Rajan Arora (Air Force), and Addl. DCP Rohit Rajbir Singh (Delhi Police).

After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the PM was escorted to the central podium on the Red Fort’s ramparts, where he was welcomed by the Service Chiefs — Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh. Flying Officer Rishika Sharma assisted the PM in hoisting the National Flag, an event synchronized with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) of the Indian Army. The unit, equipped with indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns, was commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat.

Following the flag hoisting, a tri-service contingent of 128 personnel, along with Delhi Police, presented the National Salute, led by Wing Commander Tarun Dagar. Commanding officers included Major Prakash Singh (Army), Lt. Commander Mohammad Parvez (Navy), Squadron Leader V.V. Sharwan (Air Force), and Addl. DCP Abhimanyu Poswal (Delhi Police).

The Indian Air Force band, under Junior Warrant Officer M. Deka, played the National Anthem as part of the salute. Notably, for the first time, 11 Agniveer Air warriors joined the ceremonial band.

As the tricolour unfurled, the crowd looked skyward to see two IAF MI-17 helicopters, piloted by Wing Commander Vinay Poonia and Wing Commander Aditya Jaiswal, pass overhead trailing the National Flag while showering rose petals over the assembled dignitaries and citizens — a moment that blended patriotic pride with poignant celebration of India's military successes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar