Independence Day 2026: Modi highlights India’s progress as leaders speak about the country’s future

New Delhi: India marked its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, with political leaders reflecting on the country’s journey and what lies ahead. Their messages focused on themes ranging from development and self-reliance to constitutional values, democracy and the rights of citizens.

This year’s Independence Day celebrations centre on “150 Years of Vande Mataram” and “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat 2047”. The themes highlight the national song and the role of young people in science, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The prime minister, Narendra Modi, said India, “powered by 140 crore Indians”, was reaching new heights of progress and expressed hope that the country’s growth would accelerate further in the years ahead. The Union home minister, Amit Shah, called for a renewed commitment to building a “developed, prosperous, and self-reliant India”.

The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, meanwhile, linked the occasion to the responsibility of shaping the country’s future. He said the freedom struggle had given Indians not only political freedom but also the responsibility to shape the country’s future while preserving its heritage.

For Singh, that responsibility was rooted in the freedom struggle. He said the movement had given Indians not only political freedom but also the responsibility to shape the country’s future while preserving its heritage.

The opposition’s messages placed greater emphasis on constitutional values and citizens rights. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post on X that India had achieved much in the 79 years since Independence, but that there was still more to achieve as a nation. 

He said freedom was not merely liberation from British rule, but also the assurance of equality, dignity, justice and the right to speak one’s mind enshrined in the Constitution.

Kharge said constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony had faced “serious challenges” over the past decade. He called for greater opportunities for young people, respect and justice for farmers, and equal rights and greater participation for women.

He also said dalits, adivasis, backward classes, minorities and economically weaker sections must receive the “full rights to equality and justice” enshrined in the Constitution. “On this Independence Day, our greatest resolve is hope,” Kharge said.

Akhilesh Yadav placed the Constitution at the centre of his message. “Freedom comes from the Constitution itself,” the Samajwadi Party chief said, urging citizens to pledge to protect it.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said the freedom secured through the sacrifices and unwavering patriotism of countless people was a responsibility for every citizen. He called for building a “prosperous, capable and inclusive India” while preserving constitutional values.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said freedom was not merely a gift from the country’s freedom fighters but also a responsibility. In a post on X, he called the citizens to follow the path of truth and non-violence, uphold the values of the Constitution and the Tricolour, and safeguard democracy. He also said he was proud that citizens, particularly the youth, were united in protecting these values.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal focused on children and education in his Independence Day message. In a post on X, he said children across the country were demanding basic facilities such as desks, clean water, toilets and teachers in their schools, adding that their fight for these rights represented “true freedom”.

Former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar also extended his “heartiest congratulations and best wishes” to people across the state and the country.