Independence Day 2026 LIVE: Rubio greets India, hails Trump-PM Modi ties

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday hoisted the national flag at Lok Bhavan here to mark India's 80th Independence Day.

Paying homage to the countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation, the lieutenant governor emphasised the difficult journey, struggle and sacrifice for Independence.

He also paid tribute to the civilians who tragically lost their lives in unfortunate natural calamities this year.

"On this historic day, I join all citizens in paying heartfelt tributes to our founding fathers and the valiant sons and daughters of Mother India who sacrificed their lives for country's freedom. Let us strive to realise their cherished dreams of building a peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir and a great nation. The truest tribute we can pay to our martyrs and freedom fighters is to resolve to work with integrity and safeguard our hard-earned freedom," he said.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari hoists the national flag on the 80th Independence Day at Red Road in Kolkata.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio greeted the people of India on its 80th Independence Day, asserting that bilateral ties were "stronger than ever" due to the personal relationship between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a statement issued here on Friday, Rubio said the deep ties of friendship and family between the people of the two countries form the foundation of a partnership that is innovative, resilient and forward-looking.

"On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm congratulations to the people of India on their Independence Day," Rubio said.

"Thanks to the personal relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the US-India relationship continues to grow and is stronger than ever," the US secretary of state said.

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The race for coaching classes has become a massive burden for our middle-class families. Every parent feels that if they don't send their child to a coaching class, they aren't considered a 'prestigious' family. We are concerned about the thousands of crores of rupees these poor and middle-class families spend; we want to save them that expense. We have decided to provide free online coaching for various competitive exams for our youth. We have digital public infrastructure, as well as excellent talent and teachers. By leveraging these resources, we are establishing a comprehensive network to provide free coaching to the nation's youth..."

Announcing the civil defence initiative on Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I announce that in the coming days, we will establish a modern and vibrant network of Civil Defense.”

Saptadhara is a collection of seven visions (saat shaktiyaan) that the prime minister has for the progress of the country. Here's what PM Modi said in his I-Day speech.

Independence Day 2026 LIVE Updates: PM Modi ended his I-Day speech around 9 am.

Announcing another feat for India, PM Modi said India has to become a global defence supplier.

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "We are standing tall and moving forward, relying on our own strength. Everyone has been affected by global crises, and we are no exception. Globally, the price of a single sack of urea soared to ₹3000. Yet, we are not forcing the farmers of our country to bear that burden. The government is shouldering that cost itself; we provide urea to our farmers for just ₹300 a sack, even though we procure it from the global market at three thousand rupees. Not only that, the market price of DAP globally has reached ₹5000. Yet, to ensure the farmers of my country face no hardship, we continue to provide DAP at ₹1350..."

Independence Day 2026 LIVE Updates: PM Modi says India to set up a “vibrant network of civil defence network.”

PM Modi said that India will hold 2036 Olympic Games. To prepare for the games, a talent hunt will be launched and capable candidates will be given special training for the same, the prime minister announced.

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The youth have a big role in the journey to become a Viksit Bharat. The biggest beneficiaries of Viksit Bharat will be the youth of the country."

During his speech on 80th I-Day celebration, PM Modi announced an initiative to provide AI skill training to youth, and a free coaching network for students preparing for several exams.

On the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi says, "Today, the country has to remain dependent on crude oil; this is due to our flawed thinking. You will be surprised to know that we have declared 99% of our coastline as a 'No Go area'. We ourselves had decided not to go into the ocean for exploration. This was poverty of thought. Sectors that were once seen as 'No-Go Areas' are now 'Go-Ahead Areas.' "

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... Nuclear energy is a major means of energy security. We have paved the way towards a new goal by passing the 'Peace Act' in Parliament. By 2047, we are moving forward with the target of 100 GW of nuclear power. We aim to commission five new nuclear reactors within this decade alone. This year, India achieved a significant milestone by mastering fast breeder nuclear technology, marking a major stride toward self-reliance in nuclear fuel..

Addressing the nation from ramparts of Red Fort, PM Modi says, "In the last 12 years, defence production grew 4 times, electronic manufacturing grew 7 times, railway coach production grew 21 times, mobile phone production grew 33 times. India has also made its mark in the digital and innovation ecosystem... We have also accelerated the delivery of basic amenities. Tap water connections have been provided 15 times faster, gas connections six times faster, toilets for the poor four times faster, and houses for the poor three times faster... The speed, scale and achievements of the past decade are unprecedented since Independence. These achievements give us confidence that the resolve to build a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 will certainly be fulfilled."

Addressing the nation from ramparts of Red Fort, PM Modi, says, "…When the crisis in West Asia emerged, rumours were spread that there would be no petrol at fuel stations, no gas, no diesel and no fertilisers. Amid a flood of rumours from across the world, attempts were made to frighten the people of India and keep them immersed in anxiety. But the country has witnessed for itself how the well-thought-out plans of the past 10–12 years are bearing fruit. Despite facing such enormous crises, India remained guided by the spirit of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava'... drawing upon the preparations it had made, continued to take one step after another."

"We proved naysayers wrong by ensuring sufficient energy supplies during West Asia crisis," says PM Modi.

"World has started recognising our abilities; we have concluded FTAs with 40 countries," said PM Narendra Modi.

Trade agreements we are signing provide big opportunity for MSMEs; want to tell them not to let go of this: PM Modi.