As India marks its 79th Independence Day this Friday, grand celebrations are unfolding at the Red Fort. In a stirring display of patriotism, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force flew over the venue, showering petals.
One aircraft carried the Tiranga and released a cascade of flowers, while the other showcased a banner of Operation Sindoor, honouring the bravery of India’s defence forces and igniting patriotic fervour. The helicopters were piloted by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort, assisted by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma, after which the aerial petal shower commenced. Upon his arrival, PM Modi was greeted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and received a ceremonial guard of honour from a 128-member National Flag Guard representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. The inter-services contingent was led by Wing Commander Arun Nagar.
Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before proceeding to the Red Fort.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Naya Bharat’, reflecting the government’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047. As part of the festivities, 2,500 cadets from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers formed a striking ‘Naya Bharat’ logo while seated along the Gyanpath.
One aircraft carried the Tiranga and released a cascade of flowers, while the other showcased a banner of Operation Sindoor, honouring the bravery of India’s defence forces and igniting patriotic fervour. The helicopters were piloted by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal.
#WATCH | Two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force fly above the Red Fort and shower flower petals. One flies with the Tiranga, the other displays a banner of Operation Sindoor.
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2025
Video: DD pic.twitter.com/f5cTTGLyuh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort, assisted by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma, after which the aerial petal shower commenced. Upon his arrival, PM Modi was greeted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and received a ceremonial guard of honour from a 128-member National Flag Guard representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. The inter-services contingent was led by Wing Commander Arun Nagar.
Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before proceeding to the Red Fort.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Naya Bharat’, reflecting the government’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047. As part of the festivities, 2,500 cadets from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers formed a striking ‘Naya Bharat’ logo while seated along the Gyanpath.
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