PM Modi’s 2026 Independence Day speech shortest in 4 years, second overall: How it compares with past addresses

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday, with his 78-minute speech becoming his shortest in four years and second shortest overall. The 2026 address marked his 13th consecutive speech from the venue, surpassing Indira Gandhi’s record while remaining behind Jawaharlal Nehru’s 17 consecutive Independence Day addresses.