Archive · 15 Aug 2026
PM Modi announces civil defence network in Independence Day speech
On August 15, India celebrates Independence Day.
Every year, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, gives a special speech.
He speaks from the ramparts of a famous old fort called the Red Fort.
This year, he told citizens about a new plan to keep the country safe.
He wants to build a big team of trained volunteers called the Civil Defence.
These volunteers will learn what to do during modern-day emergencies.
The Prime Minister said wars are changing.
Now, attacks could target banks and data centres instead of just borders.
He said keeping India safe is the job of every citizen, not just the army.
He also said girls and women are doing great things for India, like flying planes, leading in science and sports, and graduating from the NDA.
PM Modi announced a modern and vibrant network of Civil Defense during his 13th Independence Day address from the Red Fort.
He warned of security threats from within and beyond India's borders, saying the country is prepared for every situation.
Modi said warfare is no longer confined to border frontiers and could target critical infrastructure such as banking and data centres.
The government will familiarise citizens with advanced emergency systems and create a massive Civil Defence volunteer force.
He praised women's leadership in fighter jets, civil aviation, sports, STEM education and the armed forces, and said 140 crore Indians are building a Viksit Bharat.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering his 13th Independence Day address.
- What
- Announced a modern network of Civil Defense and a massive volunteer force to counter internal and external security threats.
- When
- Saturday, August 15 (Independence Day).
- Where
- Ramparts of the Red Fort.
- Why
- Because warfare is transforming and can target critical infrastructure like banking and data centres, so citizen preparedness is needed.
- Event
- 13th Independence Day address
- Date
- Saturday, August 15
- Location
- Ramparts of the Red Fort
- Announcement
- Modern and vibrant network of Civil Defense
- Security theme
- Warfare no longer limited to frontiers; targetable infrastructure includes banking and data centres
- Citizen initiative
- Training in advanced emergency systems and a massive Civil Defence volunteer force
- Women's contribution
- Praised in fighter jets, civil aviation, sports, STEM education and the armed forces
- Population
- 140 crore Indians