New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolor from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the 11th consecutive time on Independence Day. After hoisting the tricolor, the Prime Minister also addressed the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Addressing the countrymen, Prime Minister Modi said, 'Today is that auspicious moment when we pay tribute to the freedom lovers who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country. This country is indebted to them. We express our respect to every such countryman.'

On reaching the Red Fort, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth and Defense Secretary Giridhar Armane. Defense Secretary Armane introduced Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (JOC) of Delhi region to the Prime Minister. After this, the GoC of Delhi area took Modi to the saluting dais, where the joint inter-service and Delhi Police guards gave a general salute to the Prime Minister. After this, the Prime Minister inspected the Guard of Salutation.

The Guard of Salutation contingent for the Prime Minister included one officer and 24 personnel each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. This year the Indian Navy is the coordinating force. The Guard of Salutation was commanded by Commander Arun Kumar Mehta. The Army contingent in the Prime Minister's Guard was commanded by Major Arjun Singh. The Navy contingent was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Gulia Bhavesh NK and the Air Force contingent was commanded by Squadron Leader Akshara Uniyal. The Delhi Police contingent was commanded by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Anurag Dwivedi.

After inspecting the Guard of Salutation, the Prime Minister proceeded towards the ramparts of the Red Fort, where he was welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Chief of Air Force Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary. The GoC of Delhi area escorted the Prime Minister to the dais on the Rampart to hoist the national flag.