Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, declared India’s firm resolve to reclaim its rightful share of river waters under the Indus Water Treaty, calling the agreement “an injustice” that has harmed Indian farmers for decades.
“Bharat has decided that blood and water will not flow together,” PM Modi said, stressing that rivers originating in India must serve its own people, not irrigate the fields of an enemy nation. He criticised the treaty for depriving Indian farmers while benefiting the neighbouring country, and asserted that India’s water rights now belong solely to its farmers.
On national security, the Prime Minister condemned the April 22 Pahalgam massacre and praised the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor. “After April 22, we gave a free hand to our armed forces. They entered hundreds of kilometres into enemy territory and destroyed terrorist headquarters. The damage inflicted was unprecedented,” he said, lauding the bravery of the soldiers involved.
Earlier in the morning, PM Modi hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort, assisted by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma. Flower petals were showered from two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters, one carrying the national flag and the other the Operation Sindoor flag. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Sanjay Seth, and the Chiefs of the three services welcomed the Prime Minister, who later inspected a 128-member ceremonial guard of honour.
Ahead of the celebrations, PM Modi visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. This year’s Independence Day theme, Naya Bharat, reflects the government’s vision of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. As part of the festivities, 2,500 cadets from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers formed the Naya Bharat logo at Gyanpath, symbolising unity and progress.