The Economic Times

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his thirteenth consecutive Independence Day speech in 2026, delivering his address from the historic Red Fort in just seventy-eight minutes. This years speech was a departure from his longer addresses in the past. With this achievement, Modi surpasses Indira Gandhis record, while Jawaharlal Nehru remains the all-time leader in consecutive speeches.