India celebrates Independence Day

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday unfurled the national flag at the Red Fort kicking off India's Independence Day celebrations.

Modi was received by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra.

Later, he received a Guard of Honour from a contingent of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police.

The Prime Minister then unfurled the national flag amid a 21 gun salute.

India will fight foreign threats

India can defend itself from anyone who seeks "to act against our country", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an Independence Day speech Tuesday amid a tense standoff with Beijing over a Himalayan plateau.

"Security is our top priority," Modi said in a speech before thousands at the landmark Red Fort in New Delhi as the country marked the 70th anniversary of the end of British colonial rule.

"Be it the sea or the borders, cyber or space - in all spheres, India is capable and we are strong enough to overcome those who try to act against our country," Indian PM declared.

His remarks came as New Delhi's dispute with Beijing over a strategically key Himalayan plateau enters its second month on Wednesday, with hundreds of soldiers reported to be facing off against each other.