# Modi leads 80th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort 2026-08-15T12:12:15+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Prime Minister Narendra Modi led India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 2026, and hoisted the national flag. The ceremony included the first rendering of Vande Mataram during the Red Fort celebrations, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. Nearly 5,000 special guests attended, alongside NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers. Modi delivered a 75-minute address focused on Yuva Shakti and India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The event also marked 150 years of Vande Mataram. Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge skipped the ceremony for the second time, Telangana Today reports. ## Coverage - newindianexpress.com - telanganatoday.com Tags: Narendra Modi, New Delhi, Red Fort, Vande Mataram Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/modi-hoists-national-flag-at-red-fort-on-80th-independence-day/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/modi-hoists-national-flag-at-red-fort-on-80th-independence-day/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.