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India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
From Battlefield To Red Fort: Operation Sindoor Takes Spotlight On Independence Day
New Delhi: While the official theme of India's 79th Independence Day celebrations was 'Naya Bharat' (New India), it was Operation Sindoor that dominated the spotlight during the grand ceremony at Delhi's Red Fort. Conducted in May this year, Operation Sindoor was a decisive military offensive carried out by the Indian defence forces in response to the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali. The operation, which unfolded between 7 and 10 May, served as the emotional and symbolic core of this year's national celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nearly 103-minute address was punctuated with references to the operation. He described it as a turning point in India's defence posture, stating that India would no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail and declaring the beginning of an era in which 'blood and water won't flow together,' in a clear reference to the Indus Waters Treaty. 'The entire nation was seething with anger, and the whole world watched in astonishment. Operation Sindoor emerged from that anger,' the Prime Minister said. 'After April 22, we told our soldiers they had a free hand to decide, plan, time, and choose their targets. Our defence forces did what had never been done before: they went several kilometres into Pakistan and destroyed terrorist camps.' The Red Fort venue itself was transformed to reflect the operation's significance. A large banner featuring the words 'Nation First', emblazoned with the Operation Sindoor logo in the top right corner, towered over the main display area. A carefully choreographed formation by volunteers dressed in white and orange spelt out 'Naya Bharat' when viewed from above. Also Read: PM Delivers His Longest I-Day Speech – Demography To Op Sindoor | Highlights The official invitation cards for the ceremony also bore the Operation Sindoor logo, underlining the operation's centrality to the day's theme. A striking floral installation spelling out 'Operation Sindoor', decorated with red sindoor motifs, further reinforced the tribute. One of the most dramatic moments came during the flag-hoisting ceremony, as two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters flew past the Red Fort. While one released a shower of rose petals over the national flag, the second carried the flag of Operation Sindoor itself. The helicopters were piloted by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal. The event was attended by top military and government leadership. The three service chiefs who led the operation were present to welcome the Prime Minister on his arrival. He was accompanied at the Red Fort ramparts by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The unprecedented prominence given to Operation Sindoor during the Independence Day ceremony served not only as a commemoration of military success but also as a signal of a more assertive India, one willing to respond forcefully to cross-border terror.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Independence Day Celebrations Honor Operation Sindoor With Elaborate Tributes And Military Display
India's 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort transformed into a comprehensive tribute to Operation Sindoor, the military campaign executed by Indian defense forces in May following the devastating Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22. The ceremonial acknowledgment served as a symbolic recognition of the armed forces' decisive response to cross-border terrorism. Although the official theme for the Independence Day festivities was designated as "Naya Bharat" or New India, Operation Sindoor emerged as the dominant narrative throughout the event. The military operation's prominence was evident across multiple elements of the celebration, from decorative arrangements to aerial demonstrations, creating a cohesive message of national strength and military capability. The visual presentation included an impressive backdrop featuring a large banner proclaiming "Nation First" with the Operation Sindoor emblem prominently displayed in the upper right corner. This decorative element framed a carefully choreographed display where volunteers dressed in white and orange clothing formed the words "Naya Bharat" when observed from elevated positions, creating a striking visual representation of the celebration's dual themes. Official invitation cards distributed for the Independence Day ceremony featured the Operation Sindoor logo, ensuring that the military campaign's recognition extended to all formal communications associated with the event. The decorative scheme also incorporated floral arrangements spelling out "Operation Sindoor," embellished with red sindoor motifs that reinforced the symbolic connection between the operation's name and traditional Indian cultural elements. The aerial tribute provided one of the most memorable moments of the celebration, as two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters conducted a ceremonial flyover of the Red Fort during the national flag unfurling. One aircraft scattered flower petals while carrying the national tricolor, while the second helicopter displayed the Operation Sindoor flag, creating a powerful visual demonstration of military pride and operational commemoration. Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal piloted the helicopters in this ceremonial flight, representing the professional excellence of the Indian Air Force personnel who participated in the actual military operation. Their participation added authenticity to the tribute while highlighting the skilled aviation capabilities that contributed to Operation Sindoor's success. The military leadership present at the ceremony underscored the operation's significance within India's defense establishment. The three service chiefs who had directed Operation Sindoor were positioned to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival at the Red Fort, demonstrating the high-level coordination that characterized both the military campaign and its ceremonial recognition. Following the traditional inspection of the Guard of Honor, Prime Minister Modi was joined on the ramparts by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This gathering represented the complete military hierarchy that had overseen India's response to the Pahalgam attack. During his extensive 90-minute address, Prime Minister Modi explicitly referenced Operation Sindoor as a manifestation of national anger over terrorist attacks. He described how the entire nation had been consumed with fury while the international community watched with amazement at India's decisive military response. The Prime Minister emphasized that the operation represented an unprecedented level of military action by Indian forces. Modi explained that following the April 22 attack, military commanders were granted complete operational freedom to determine timing, planning, and target selection for their response. This approach resulted in Indian forces conducting operations several kilometers inside Pakistani territory to destroy terrorist training facilities, representing a significant escalation in India's counter-terrorism strategy. The Prime Minister's speech also addressed broader strategic implications, declaring that India would not tolerate nuclear intimidation and announcing intentions to address what he characterized as inequities in the Indus Waters Treaty. His statement that "blood and water won't flow together" represented a firm position linking water-sharing agreements with security concerns. The comprehensive tribute to Operation Sindoor during Independence Day celebrations reflected the operation's political and strategic importance in India's national security narrative. The military campaign, conducted between May 7 and 10, had targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, marking a significant shift in India's approach to cross-border terrorism. The ceremonial recognition served multiple purposes, honoring military personnel while demonstrating national resolve to both domestic and international audiences about India's commitment to defending its citizens and territory against terrorist threats.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
At Red Fort, IAF Chopper flies Tiranga with petal shower as another displays Operation Sindoor banner; watch video
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. Independence Day 2025 Op Sindoor to water cutoff: PM Modi slams Pak in I-Day speech GST reforms by Diwali to cut daily-use taxes: PM Modi Terrorism, tech, more: PM's I-Day speech highlights 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. — ANI (@ANI) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo 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. Live Events 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.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Operation Sindoor depiction takes centre stage at Red Fort on Independence Day
While the theme of the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort was 'Naya Bharat' (New India), the highlight of the event was Operation Sindoor, the military offensive conducted by Indian defence forces in May this year. The prime minister's speech was peppered with glimpses of Operation Sindoor, as were the decorations in and around the venue. A large banner reading 'Nation First' with the Operation Sindoor logo in the top right corner formed the backdrop for a display. (PTI file photo) A large banner reading 'Nation First' with the Operation Sindoor logo in the top right corner formed the backdrop for a display in which volunteers dressed in white and orange created the words 'Naya Bharat' when viewed from above. The same logo of the operation was also printed on the official invitation cards for the event. A floral collage spelling out 'Operation Sindoor', adorned with red sindoor motifs, formed part of the decorations. As the national flag was unfurled, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters flew over the Red Fort, both showering flower petals, one alongside the tricolour, the other carrying the Operation Sindoor flag. Also Read:What is the 'Sudarshan Chakra Mission' that PM Modi announced in his I-Day speech? The aircraft were flown by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal. The gesture was intended as a tribute to Operation Sindoor, carried out between May 7 and 10 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people - 25 Indians, 1 Nepali. The three service chiefs who led the operation were present to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival at the Red Fort. Following an inspection of the Guard of Honour, the PM was joined at the ramparts by defence minister Rajnath Singh, minister of state (MoS) for defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In his almost 90-minute speech, PM Modi said that India won't tolerate nuclear blackmail and will end what he called the 'injustice' of the Indus Waters Treaty. 'India has decided that blood and water won't flow together,' said the PM. 'The entire nation was seething with anger, and the whole world watched in astonishment. Operation Sindoor emerged from that anger. After April 22, we told our soldiers they had a free hand to decide, plan, time, and choose their targets. Our defence forces did what had never been done before: they went several kilometres into Pakistan and destroyed terrorist camps,' PM Modi said.
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Video: IAF Choppers Display Tiranga And Op Sindoor Banner, Shower Petals Over Red Fort
Last Updated: India celebrated its 79th Independence Day at the Red Fort. 2 Mi-17 helicopters showered petals, and PM Modi hoisted the flag. As India celebrates the 79th Independence Day on Friday, a grand celebration was held at the Red Fort. In a display of patriotism and national pride, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force soared above the Red Fort, showering petals. While one aircraft flew with the Tiranga and showered flower petals over the venue, another one displayed a banner of Operation Sindoor, honouring the valour of Indian defence forces, boosting the patriotic spirit. The aircraft were flown by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma assisted the Prime Minister in hoisting the Tricolour, after which flower petals were showered from two Indian Air Force aircrafts. Upon arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. He was also presented with a ceremonial guard of honour by a 128-member National Flag Guard, comprising representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. The inter-services guard of honour was led by Wing Commander Arun Nagar. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before heading to the Red Fort. This year's Independence Day celebrations are themed 'Naya Bharat', in line with the government's vision of achieving a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047. A striking visual representation of this theme was created by 2,500 cadets from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and volunteers from the 'My Bharat' initiative, who formed the 'Naya Bharat' logo while seated along the Gyanpath. In a push to enhance Jan Bhagidari (people's participation), around 5,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds were invited to witness the celebrations at Red Fort . Among them were members of the Indian contingent for the Special Olympics 2025, international sports champions, Khelo India Para Games gold medallists, and farmers supported under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission. Other distinguished invitees included top-performing farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, students, and authors recognized under various government schemes such as PM-VIKAS, PM Van Dhan Yojana, National SC/ST Hub, SHREYAS, SHRESTA, PM-DAKSH, and more. Best-performing sarpanches from Open Defecation Free Plus Villages and water conservation efforts under the Catch the Rain Abhiyan were also honoured with an invitation. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a series of band performances will be held across over 140 locations nationwide on the evening of Independence Day. Bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, paramilitary forces, NCC, and others will perform to celebrate national unity and commemorate the success of Operation Sindoor. view comments First Published: News india Video: IAF Choppers Display Tiranga And Op Sindoor Banner, Shower Petals Over Red Fort Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
