India marks 66th Independence Day

India marks its 66th Independence Day in a ceremony at New Delhi's historic Red Fort.

Youths wearing India's national colours were amongst those listening as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the nation.

Singh promised that despite a global economic slowdown, his government is committed to bringing the Indian economy back on track.

He looked to India's 6.5 percent GDP growth last year, and forecast a better performance for this coming fiscal year.

The Prime Minister said the economy is going through a difficult phase, but likened economic recovery to national security in terms of state priorities.

Pakistan and India gained independence from British rule in 1947, the former celebrating its Independence Day on August 14, and the latter a day later, on August 15.