Independence Day 2024 highlights: PM Modi thanks world leaders for their wishes

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: PM Modi says that the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' is not mere words and that they are the reflection of the resolve and dreams of 140 crore people.

“People have given many suggestions to make India developed by 2047, including making nation manufacturing hub, seed capital,” he adds.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi says that we carry the blood of the 40 crore people who had uprooted colonial rule from India.

“Today, we are 140 crore people, if we resolve and move together in one direction, then we can become 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 by overcoming all obstacles in the way,” he says.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: “Natural disasters have heightened our concern over the last few years. I express my sympathies to affected families,” says Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Red Fort.

“Several people have lost their family members, property in natural calamity. Out nation too has suffered losses. Today, I express my sympathy to all of them and I assure them that this nation stands with them in this hour of crisis,” he adds.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: PM Modi is addressing the nation from Red Fort. He says, "Today is the day to pay tributes to the uncountable 'Azaadi ke deewane' who made sacrifices for the nation. This country is indebted to them."

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun addressing the nation from Red Fort on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

PM Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at Red Fort on 78th Independence Day. He will address the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort shortly.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Light rainfall has begun at the Red Fort where 78th Independence Day celebrations are underway. The IMD has predicted cloudy skies with a spell of light rain and thunderstorms in the area from 4am to 12pm.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspected the Guard of Honour at Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the Red Fort. He will hoist the national flag shortly.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: PM Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Raj Ghat on the occasion of Independence Day. He will now head towards the Red Fort.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended greetings to citizens on Independence Day. “Independence Day greetings to my fellow Indians. Jai Hind!” he wrote on X.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has extended wishes to India on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

"On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of India as they celebrate the anniversary of their country's independence on August 15. On this momentous day, we celebrate the rich and diverse history of the Indian people and the bright future of US-Indian relations," Blinken said in a press statement, according to the US Department of State.

"Our comprehensive global and strategic partnership is grounded in the deep bonds between our peoples, our economies, and built on the foundation of our shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity," he added.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has arrived at the Red Fort for India's 78th Independence Day celebrations.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived at the Red Fort to take part in India's 78th Independence Day celebrations. Several other union ministers are also present.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Defence minister Rajnath Singh hoisted the national flag at his official residence in Delhi as India celebrates its 78th Independence Day today. Watch here.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: The Independence Day ceremony will begin with PM Narendra Modi being received by senior government and military officials at around 7:15 am, followed by an inspection of the Guard of Honour, which this year will be coordinated by the Indian Navy.

Modi will then address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort at 7:30am. The event will be broadcast live on Doordarshan and on all the other media channels and will be streamed on the Press Information Bureau (PIB) YouTube channel. Check the full schedule here.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Despite the event's excitement and festivities, many are unsure whether this year marks India's 77th or 78th Independence Day. The first anniversary of independence was celebrated on August 15, 1948, marking one full year of freedom. Therefore, by 2024, the country will have completed 77 years of independence, leading many to refer to it as the 77th anniversary. Read more.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Ahead of 78th Independence Day celebrations, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory for Thursday, August 15, announcing the closure of key roads and alternative routes for commuters and buses.

According to the traffic advisory, several roads will be closed between 4am and 10am and only labelled vehicles will be permitted on the routes. Know more.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Affirmative action should be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion, President Droupadi Murmu said on Wednesday, underlining that “all communities” had participated in India’s freedom struggle and adding that the successful conduct of elections “strengthens democratic forces around the world.” Read more.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Historic Red Fort in Delhi is all decked up to witness India's 78th Independence Day celebration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag for the 11th consecutive time later today. See video.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted cloudy skies with a spell of light rain and thunderstorms from 4am to 12pm over the Red Fort area during the 78th Independence Day celebrations today.

Few spells of light rain can also be witnessed during the afternoon and later at night, the weather agency predicts.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Vehicles are being checked in Delhi as security is beefed up in the national capital on the occasion of Independence Day, according to ANI.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: A contingent of Indian Olympic athletes is on its way to the Red Fort to attend Independence Day celebrations, ANI reports.

On the eve of the 78th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu approved 103 gallantry awards for personnel of the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces, with the honours including four Kirti Chakras and 18 Shaurya Chakras, India’s second and third highest peacetime awards for uncommon courage and grit. Read more.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Around 6,000 special guests representing diverse sections of Indian society, including youth, tribal communities, farmers, women, and beneficiaries of various government schemes, have been invited this year to witness the ceremony.