The submarine explosion illuminates the night sky in Mumbai (Image: The Guardian)

India’s Independence Day has been marred by an explosion of a naval submarine in Mumbai early yesterday.

The explosion and ensuring fire on the submarine is believed to have killed at least 18 sailors. According to a report in The Hindu, Admiral Joshi, India’s chief of naval Staff told reporters yesterday that he did not rule out the possibility of sabotage but that “indications so far do not support such a theory.”

Despite the sombre mood, a public holiday is to be held across the nation, as the national capital goes into lockdown amid security threats. The Times of India reports that all major hotels, restaurants, transport nodes and markets, as well as high profile locations in Delhi’s old city will be subject to increased security measures.

New Delhi’s India Gate will be one of countless venues for celebration today

The Hindu reports that Chennai will see major road closures and diversions ahead of Independence Day celebrations at Fort St. George this morning. Another article by The Hindu states that 15,000 police men and women will monitor the city.

Aside from yesterday’s tragedy in Mumbai, India’s Independence Day in 2013 comes during a tumultuous period of soul-searching for much of India, with national issues such as corruption, the treatment of women in Indian society, and the contentious border with Pakistan thrown into a harsh spotlight over the past year.

India’s independence was achieved on 15th August 1947 after a long and sometimes violent struggle against colonial Britain. Independent India’s birth was marred however by bloody episodes of civil strife relating to the partition of the subcontinent.

Pakistan marked its Independence Day yesterday.