Independence Day 2025: Mi-17 Helicopters Display Op Sindoor Banners, Rain Petals Over Red Fort

As India marked its 79th Independence Day, the skies above the Red Fort came alive with a patriotic display by the Indian Air Force.

Two Mi-17 helicopters flew over the historic monument—one carrying the national flag and showering flower petals, the other displaying a banner of Operation Sindoor. The aerial salute added colour and emotion to the celebrations, which carried the theme ‘Naya Bharat’ and the vision of achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, assisted by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma, hoisted the tricolour before the petal shower began. The aircraft were piloted by Wing Commanders Vinay Poonia and Aditya Jaiswal. PM Modi was earlier welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Sanjay Seth, and the Chiefs of the three armed services, and received a ceremonial guard of honour led by Wing Commander Arun Nagar.

Before arriving at the Red Fort, Modi visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The event also saw 2,500 cadets from the armed forces and My Bharat volunteers forming a ‘Naya Bharat’ logo on Gyanpath. Around 5,000 special guests—including national award-winning farmers, sportspersons, young authors, entrepreneurs, and community leaders—were invited to witness the ceremony.

For the first time, Independence Day celebrations included coordinated band performances across over 140 locations nationwide by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NCC, and various paramilitary forces, commemorating the victory of Operation Sindoor.