Gallantry awards will be announced this Independence Day for defence personnel who displayed exceptional courage during Operation Sindoor, a senior Defence Ministry official confirmed.
The success of Operation Sindoor will be a central theme at this year’s celebrations, which carry the motto “the continuing rise of a prosperous, secure and bold Naya Bharat”. Floral decorations, event branding and the official view cutter at Gyanpath will feature the operation’s logo.
Also Read: 1,090 Personnel Awarded Gallantry and Service Medals Ahead of Independence Day
Honoured Heroes at the Red Fort
Selected awardees will be seated at the Red Fort rampart, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his address to the nation. His speech is expected to highlight the achievements of Operation Sindoor and the selfless service of Indian armed forces personnel.
A Celebration of National Vision
According to the Ministry of Defence, the 2025 Independence Day theme reflects the nation’s progress towards Viksit Bharat 2047. The celebrations aim to “provide renewed power to surge further ahead on the path to progress.”
Flypast to Mark the Occasion
The Indian Air Force will conduct a special flypast over the Red Fort, with three helicopters flying in formation carrying the National Flag and the Operation Sindoor flag. The aircraft will also shower flower petals over the crowd.
Invitations with a New Symbolism
This year’s invitations prominently feature the Operation Sindoor emblem in the top right corner. In a symbolic change, the Central Vista image has been replaced with a sketch of the Chenab railway bridge, inaugurated recently by PM Modi. The bridge is a historic engineering achievement, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail for the first time.
Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025, was a decisive military mission against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, earning nationwide recognition for its precision and success.
