05:33Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the 'countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country', while addressing a huge crowd at a flag-raising ceremony in New Delhi, as India marked Independence Day on Thursday.
"Today, the freedom fighters have given us the good fortune of breathing the air of freedom on this festival of independence. This country is indebted to them. We express our respect towards every such great man," he said.
He also expressed concern for Bangladesh amid the ongoing crisis, after violent protests forced PM Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country. According to media reports, there have been reports of attacks on Hindus - seen as supporters of Hasina - in the Muslim-majority country.
"The safety of Hindus, minorities and that community should be ensured," Modi said. "India always wants that our neighbouring countries walk on the path of happiness and peace. We have a commitment towards peace, it is our culture."
India's Independence Day, celebrated annually on 15th August, commemorates the country's independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. The day is marked by flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events across the nation.
The dissolution of the former British Raj saw the area divided into the broadly Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan in 1947, displacing around 15 million people, with up to 1 million believed to have been killed. Bangladesh later seceded from Pakistan in 1971.
'Long live India!' - PM Modi marks Independence Day, expresses concern for 'safety of Hindus, minorities' in Bangladesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the 'countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country', while addressing a huge crowd at a flag-raising ceremony in New Delhi, as India marked Independence Day on Thursday.
"Today, the freedom fighters have given us the good fortune of breathing the air of freedom on this festival of independence. This country is indebted to them. We express our respect towards every such great man," he said.
He also expressed concern for Bangladesh amid the ongoing crisis, after violent protests forced PM Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country. According to media reports, there have been reports of attacks on Hindus - seen as supporters of Hasina - in the Muslim-majority country.
"The safety of Hindus, minorities and that community should be ensured," Modi said. "India always wants that our neighbouring countries walk on the path of happiness and peace. We have a commitment towards peace, it is our culture."
India's Independence Day, celebrated annually on 15th August, commemorates the country's independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. The day is marked by flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events across the nation.
The dissolution of the former British Raj saw the area divided into the broadly Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan in 1947, displacing around 15 million people, with up to 1 million believed to have been killed. Bangladesh later seceded from Pakistan in 1971.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the 'countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country', while addressing a huge crowd at a flag-raising ceremony in New Delhi, as India marked Independence Day on Thursday.
"Today, the freedom fighters have given us the good fortune of breathing the air of freedom on this festival of independence. This country is indebted to them. We express our respect towards every such great man," he said.
He also expressed concern for Bangladesh amid the ongoing crisis, after violent protests forced PM Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country. According to media reports, there have been reports of attacks on Hindus - seen as supporters of Hasina - in the Muslim-majority country.
"The safety of Hindus, minorities and that community should be ensured," Modi said. "India always wants that our neighbouring countries walk on the path of happiness and peace. We have a commitment towards peace, it is our culture."
India's Independence Day, celebrated annually on 15th August, commemorates the country's independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. The day is marked by flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events across the nation.
The dissolution of the former British Raj saw the area divided into the broadly Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan in 1947, displacing around 15 million people, with up to 1 million believed to have been killed. Bangladesh later seceded from Pakistan in 1971.