Independence Day 2019 LIVE Updates: PM Modi's speech from Red Fort as India celebrates 72 years of freedom

PM Modi concludes his Independence Day address by chanting 'Vande Mataram' and reciting the National Anthem.

PM Modi speaks about the aim of a $5 trillion economy and ease of business:

"In 70 years, we became a $2 trillion economy, in 73 years we reached a $3 trillion economy, now we're targeting becoming a $5 trillion economy."

"We have dreamt of a 5 trillion dollar economy, it sounds difficult. But if we do not aim high, how will the country progress?"

"Time has come to think about how we can boost exports. Each district of India has so much to offer. Let us make local products attractive. May more export hubs emerge. Our guiding principle is Zero Defect, Zero Effect."

"Wealth creation is a great national service. Only when wealth is created, wealth will be distributed. Those who create wealth are India's wealth and we must respect them."

In the Independence Day address, PM Modi calls for a fight against terrorism:

"India has to fight terrorism, we should play a role in ensuring peace for the world. The government is clear with its stand on those who spread and support terror."

"Those who give protection to terrorism and support it must be exposed. Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka also are affected by terrorism.  All countries in the world need to come together to fight this menace."

"From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I extend my greetings to the people of Afghanistan, who are celebrating 100 years of freedom."

Speaking about the importance of water conservation, PM Modi said:

"I am announcing from the Red Fort that we will go ahead with 'Jal Jeevan Mission' to ensure that drinking water reaches every house in the country."

"It is unfortunate, however, that so many people lack access to water even 70 years after Independence. Work on the Jal Jeevan Mission will progress with great vigour in the years to come." 

"The movement towards water conservation has to take place at the grassroots level. It cannot become a mere Government programme. People from all walks of life have to be integrated in this movement."

PM Modi, in his address, speaks about the ease of doing business in India: 

"Today we have progressed a lot in ease of doing business. But this is just one step, my destination is - ease of living."

"India does not want incremental progress. A high jump is needed, our thought process has to be expanded. We have to keep in mind global best practices and build good systems."

He goes on to announce an investment of Rs 100 lakh crore on the modern infrastructure of the country:

PM Modi addresses the nation on the occasion of Independence Day:

Many parts of the country are battling from flood fury, the state government, Central govt and NDRF are constantly helping the citizens.

The removal of Article 370 and 35 A was a significant step to fulfill the dream of Sardar Patel.

It has been under ten weeks since the new Govt was formed but several pathbreaking decisions have been taken. This includes decisions for Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, the end of Triple Talaq, steps for the welfare of farmers and traders.

In his Independence Day address, PM Modi speaks about the abolition of Triple Talaq:

"Our Muslim sisters were living in the fear of Triple Talaq. Many Islamic countries had ended it years before us, but for some reason, we were shying away from giving them their rights."

"Remember how scared Muslim women were, those who suffered due to practice of Triple Talaq, but we ended that. When Islamic nations can ban it then why can't we? When we can ban Sati, when we can take strong steps against female infanticide, child marriage, then why not this?"

Addressing the nation, PM Modi said that he is proud to say that now every Indian can say - one nation, one constitution in the light of the integration of Jammu and Kashmir in India following the abrogation of Article 370.

PM Modi unfurls the National Flag at the Red Fort, to address the nation shortly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Raj Ghat, pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

PM Modi arrives at the Red Fort for the flag hoisting on 73rd Independence Day. Flag hoisting will be followed by PM Modi's address to the nation. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrates Independence Day at his residence in New Delhi.

On the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day on August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, Delhi from 7:30 am onwards. PM Modi will deliver his speech after hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort.

Ahead of his Independence Day address, he will be paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat at 7 am. 

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence informed that three women IAF officers to assist PM Modi during the Independence Day ceremony. Furthermore, Flying Officer Preetam Sangwan will assist the Prime Minister in the unfurling of the national flag, while Flt Lt Jyoti Yadav & Flt Lt Mansi Geda will be positioned on either side of the saluting dais for the Prime Minister. 

On August 14, preparations were underway for the grand celebrations of the 73rd Independence Day across India. Government buildings across the country were illuminated to mark the occasion of freedom from the British Raj. 

President Ram Nath Kovind also addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day and extended best wishes to the nation on the occasion. Remember the "countless freedom fighters and revolutionaries who struggled, strived and made heroic sacrifices to win us our freedom from colonial rule", President Kovind said that it is a "happy and emotional day for all children of Mother India, whether living at home or abroad". 

READ | Independence Day: President Kovind Highlights Mahatma Gandhi's Efforts & Teachings Ahead Of 150th Birth Anniversary

PM Narendra Modi wished each and every citizen of India on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day

He also wished everyone on the festival of Raksha Bandhan which coincided on the occasion of 73rd anniversary of India's freedom.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wished India on Independence Day.

He said, "On behalf of US Govt, I extend my best wishes to the people of India on your Independence Day. The United States and India have enjoyed close ties of friendship since the US-supported India’s independence 72 years ago . Our shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, commitment to economic growth further cemented our relationship. Over past 2 decades, our friendship has flourished into a strategic partnership & we now cooperate on a range of important issues.As I said during my recent visit to India, the United States and India are great democracies, global powers, and good friends. I wish the people of India a joyful.