India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the national celebrations from the historic Red Fort in Delhi.

Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, the national song Vande Mataram was rendered at the venue for the first time during the Independence Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Modi then hoisted the National Flag, following which the National Anthem was sung. The flag hoisting was synchronised with a 21-gun salute, while two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force showered flower petals.

The celebrations this year also focus on Yuva Shakti, recognising the contribution of India’s young population towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

PM Modi addresses nation from Red Fort

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi said that Vande Mataram was echoing from the historic venue for the first time since Independence.

The Prime Minister also referred to the severe floods and landslides witnessed in parts of the country in recent days. He said the disasters had affected many families and assured those affected that the entire nation stood firmly with them.

PM Modi said a nation becomes great when it progresses on the strength of its resolve and capabilities.

The 80th Independence Day celebrations thus brought together the traditional ceremonial elements at the Red Fort with a focus on India’s youth and the country’s long-term development vision.

India underlined the importance of maintaining mutual respect and understanding in its relationship with Italy, a day after Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of foreign policy.

The Ministry of External Affairs said India and Italy share strong bilateral ties and expressed its commitment to further strengthening the relationship.

“We share deep and strong ties with Italy, and we are committed to further strengthening this relationship,” the MEA said. It added that friendship and bilateral relations between countries should be maintained within a framework of mutual respect and understanding.

The statement came after a political controversy over remarks made at a Congress event in Delhi.

Rahul Gandhi’s mock hug draws BJP criticism

At the Congress event, Rahul Gandhi greeted party leader Sandeep Dikshit with a mock hug. Gandhi had earlier criticised the Prime Minister’s approach to diplomacy, suggesting that it was being reduced to symbolic gestures such as hugging foreign leaders.

Dikshit then brought Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni into the exchange with a remark, following which Rahul Gandhi played along.

The episode drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who accused the Congress leader of using inappropriate language against the Prime Minister and lowering the dignity associated with the office of the Leader of Opposition.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi questioned Rahul Gandhi’s conduct and said India required mature leadership. He also criticised remarks in which Gandhi had referred to the government as “jokers and clowns”.

BJP leaders target Rahul Gandhi

Union Minister Giriraj Singh also attacked Rahul Gandhi, describing him as “mentally frustrated” and questioning his conduct.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said Rahul Gandhi’s language was inconsistent with the dignity expected from the Leader of Opposition.

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla also criticised the Congress leader, saying that while disagreement with Prime Minister Modi was legitimate, bringing a foreign woman leader into what he described as a crude joke was neither appropriate nor statesmanlike.

The MEA’s statement, meanwhile, focused on India’s bilateral relationship with Italy and reiterated that mutual respect and understanding remain important to maintaining ties between the two countries.

A 52-year-old BJP leader who had been missing for two days was found dead in Assam’s Sribhumi district on Friday, with police alleging that he was murdered.

Bikash Dhar, a resident of Chagalmowa village under Bazaricherra police station, was found dead inside an abandoned house in the Yogicherra area near the Tripura border on Friday morning.

Dhar’s family had filed a missing complaint on August 12 after he left home following a phone call.

According to his son Madan Dhar, Bikash left around 1 pm after saying that he had to attend an emergency meeting. When he did not return and his phone was switched off, the family began searching for him and later approached the police.

Five arrested in murder case

Sribhumi Superintendent of Police Leena Doley said an investigation was launched after the missing complaint was received. The probe was conducted under the supervision of the Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime).

Police said five people have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder. They were identified as Abdul Salam, Sifat Ali, Abdul Ahad, Saiful Ali and Badrul Haque.

According to the police, interrogation of Abdul Salam revealed that the accused had an enmity with Dhar. Police alleged that the group killed him and dumped his body near a water body.

Another person, identified as Sunam Miya, was named during the investigation and reportedly fled to Tripura on the night of the incident.

Police find injury and cut marks on body

Police said injury and cut marks were found on Dhar’s body, and a murder case has been registered.

During the recovery of the alleged weapon, police said accused Badrul Haque attempted to escape from custody. A police constable was injured during the incident.

Police said they fired at Haque’s leg to prevent him from escaping, resulting in a bullet wound.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dhar’s death and the alleged involvement of the accused is underway.