Indian PM Modi pledges to develop nation on 75th Independence Day

More than 7,000 guests attend event at Red Fort in Delhi, where leader extols 'strength in unity'

Activists from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad student organisation at celebrations to mark India's 75th Independence Day, at Lal Chowk city square in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. AFP

Dancers perform during a ceremony celebrating India's 75th Independence Day at Times Square in New York. EPA

The sails of the Sydney Opera House are lit up with a projection of the Indian flag to celebrate the 75th Independence Day. EPA

A building is illuminated with the Indian national flag on the outskirts of New Delhi. Getty

Members of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee take part in a march to commemorate India's Independence Day. EPA

Paramilitary troops with a giant Indian national flag during Independence Day celebrations at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. AFP

Members of the opposition Congress party carry a giant national flag during a procession marking Independence Day in Chennai, eastern India. AFP

Police officers in ceremonial dress relax after taking part in a parade to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Indian independence, in Srinagar. EPA

Tightrope artist Harshdeep Pawar carries the Indian flag while making a high-wire walk above the west coast city of Mumbai, to mark Independence Day. AP

An Indian Air Force helicopter releases thousands of petals during celebrations to mark Independence Day in the north-eastern city of Guwahati. AFP

Indian Border Security Force personnel march at a ceremony to celebrate Independence Day, at the India-Pakistan Wagah border post. AFP

A dog from India's Railway Protection Force leaps through a fiery hoop at an event to celebrate the country's 75th Independence Day, in Chennai. AFP

Women police commandos display their motorcycling skills to celebrate India's Independence Day in Gauhati, in north-eastern Assam state. AP Photo

A child presents an Indian flag to a member of the security forces to mark Independence Day in Jammu, in Jammu and Kashmir. AP Photo

Assam police officers in ceremonial attire march on Independence Day in Gauhati, Assam. AP Photo

Muslim women carry Indian flags the celebrate Independence Day, in front of Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature of the south-western state of Karnataka, in Bangalore. EPA

A scooter rides past houses flying the Indian tricolour in Bangalore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Har Ghar Tiranga campaign had urged Indians to hoist the national flag to mark Independence Day. EPA

A giant Indian national flag is unfurled in front of the town hall, to mark the country's Independence Day, in Bangalore. EPA

Folk dancers perform a traditional Chhou dance duringcelebrations to mark India's 75th Independence Day, at the Red Road in Kolkata, capital of the eastern state of West Bengal. AFP

Students are undaunted by heavy rain as they parade on Independence Day in Kolkata. EPA

Punjab state police officers celebrate after winning the trophy for overall best march past, at an event marking Independence Day in Chandigarh, capital of the northern states of Punjab and Haryana. AFP

Kolkata police officers from the Rapid Action Force squad members march at Independence Day celebrations along Red Road in Kolkata. EPA

A huge Indian flag is carried in a procession, as part of Independence Day celebrations in Bangalore. AFP

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the crowds after addressing the nation during Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. Reuters

Indian Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel gather to take part in a ceremony to celebrate the country's 75th Independence Day in Hyderabad. AFP

Mr Modi meets folk artists after addressing the nation on Independence Day. Reuters

People fly kites to mark India's Independence Day. AFP

School pupils pose for pictures before a ceremony to celebrate India's 75th Independence Day. AFP

Mr Modi, right, greets the participants after addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. AFP

Mr Modi speaking at India's Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort. Bloomberg

Indian Railway Protection Force dog squad personnel prepare to march to celebrate the country's 75th Independence Day. AFP

Mr Modi meets folk artists during the celebrations in Delhi. Reuters

The prime minister gave a televised address to the nation from the 17th century Mughal fort. Reuters

Mr Modi marks 75 years of independence from British rule. AP

The prime minister, centre, is greeted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Red Fort. AP

Mr Modi inspects the honour guard during the Independence Day celebrations at the fort. Reuters

The prime minister salutes the honour guard. Reuters

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday pledged to help further develop the country over the next 25 years, during his address to the nation on its 75th Independence Day.

Wearing traditional white headgear with stripes in the colours of the Indian flag, Mr Modi, 71 gave his address from the ramparts of the historic 17th-century Red Fort in the capital Delhi.

He congratulated the citizens of the country on 75 years of independence, after two-century-long British colonial rule.

“During our freedom struggle, there was not one year when our freedom fighters did not face brutality and cruelty,” Mr Modi said.

"Today is the day when, as we pay them our respects, we need to remember their vision and dream for India.”

Mr Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, who led the campaign for India's independence, at the Raj Ghat memorial, before addressing the nation.

More than 7,000 guests attended the event and over 10,000 armed security personnel guarded the monument.

Indian-made howitzers were used for the first time for the ceremonial 21-gun salute.

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System developed by India’s defence research organisation DRDO is the flagship product of Mr Modi's Make in India campaign.

Mr Modi listed five pledges to make the country a developed nation, with a focus on “bigger resolves”, erasing all traces of “servitude”, being proud of legacy, strength of unity and duties of citizens.

He also spoke about the country's women, emphasising the need to support “nari Shakti” — or woman power.

“It's important that in speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women. A distortion has crept in our conduct and we at times insult women … Respect for women is an important pillar for India's growth,” he added.

Mr Modi also spoke about ending corruption and dynastic politics, describing them as the two “biggest challenges” to the country’s development.

He is known for his long-held opinion against dynastic politics — a euphemism he uses for the opposition Congress Party. Six members of the Nehru–Gandhi family have been presidents of Congress.

Mr Modi has called dynastic politics dangerous for democracy.

“Where people are fighting poverty, we need to fight against corruption with all our might. Corruption and nepotism might come in the way of what the country should achieve in the next 25 years,” he said.

The government is hosting a year-long Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to celebrate India’s 75th year of Independence. It celebrates Indians who have played a key role in the country’s journey and those who can help India progress further.

Mr Modi also launched a Har Ghar Tiranga campaign — encouraging citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes for three days.

Congratulatory messages poured in from around the world.

US President Joe Biden called Delhi and Washington “indispensable partners”.

“As people around the world, including nearly four million proud Indian-Americans, celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence on August 15, the United States joins the people of India to honour its democratic journey, guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring message of truth and non-violence,” Mr Biden said.