79th Independence Day: Where to watch PM Modi's 15th August speech

India will mark its Independence Day on Friday, August 15, 2025. As per tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the Tricolour and deliver his address to the nation from the Red Fort. This will be PM Modi’s 12th consecutive Independence Day speech and his second since beginning his third consecutive term in office.

The celebrations kick off early, with the official address scheduled around 7:30 am. The ceremony usually starts with greetings from dignitaries, followed by a 21-gun salute and the stirring rendition of Jana Gana Mana, often accompanied by a floral shower from Indian Air Force helicopters.

Where to watch PM Modi’s speech live on TV
The Prime Minister’s address will be telecast live on Doordarshan.

Where to watch PM Modi’s speech live online
The event will be streamed live on the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) YouTube channel and on X (formerly Twitter) via @PIB_India. The Prime Minister’s Office will also broadcast the speech on its official YouTube channel. Live streaming will additionally be available on pmindia.gov.in, ddnews.gov.in, and the National Informatics Centre’s Independence Day portal (independenceday.nic.in).

Theme for Independence Day 2025
The official theme for Independence Day 2025 has not yet been announced. However, it is expected to highlight unity in diversity, inclusive growth, and national development — reflecting India’s vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2047, the centenary of independence.

Is it India’s 78th or 79th Independence Day?
There is often confusion over whether 2025 marks the 78th or 79th Independence Day. Many people subtract 1947 (the year of independence) from 2025 and arrive at 78. This occurs because they start counting from zero or consider only anniversaries, not the first celebration itself.

The correct method, as per official records, is to count 15 August 1947 — the day India became independent — as the 1st Independence Day. Therefore, Independence Day 2025 will be the 79th celebration of India’s freedom.