NEW DELHI: The nation is eagerly awaiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the historic Red Fort today at the first Independence Day ceremony of the NDA government's third term.

The 78th Independence Day celebrations are themed 'Viksit Bharat @2047'. Announcements in this regard are expected in Modi's address to the nation after hoisting the national flag.

6,000 guests including youth, tribal community, farmers and women have been invited to the celebration. Around 2,000 people in traditional costumes from states and Union Territories will be there, as well as stars who participated in the Paris Olympics. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State Sanjay Seth and Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramana will receive the Prime Minister at Red Fort. Delhi Area General Officer Commanding Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar will escort the Prime Minister to the saluting base. Combined forces and Delhi Police Guards will salute the Prime Minister there. The Prime Minister will then inspect the guard of honour of the three forces and the Delhi Police.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State Sanjay Seth, Joint Chiefs of Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary will greet the Prime Minister who will reach the ramparts of the Red Fort. The Prime Minister, who will arrive on the stage with Lt. Gen. Bhavnish Kumar, will hoist the national flag.

The gunners of 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) headed by Major Sabnis Kaushik will fire 21 ceremonial rounds from indigenous 105mm light field guns. Two Dhruv helicopters of the Air Force will shower flowers at the venue. The Prime Minister will address the nation after this.

There is tight security everywhere in Delhi. Security has been beefed up at airports, metro stations, railway stations and bus stations.