Security tightened across India

The tightest controls were expected in the capital New Delhi on Tuesday when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addresses the nation from the historic Red Fort to mark the 59th anniversary of Indian independence from British colonial rule.

Officials have declared a no-fly zone over the capital and air defences have been bolstered to guard against possible attacks from unmanned drones or microlights, the Press Trust of India said.

Temples, roads, bridges, nuclear facilities and the rail network were all guarded by troops and police ahead of India's most significant national day, that is always accompanied by tighter security.