Independence Day 2026: PM Narendra Modi Delivers 13th Consecutive Speech, Becomes 2nd Prime Minister To Reach Milestone

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, becoming only the second prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to reach the milestone. Modi addressed the nation as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day, highlighting economic growth, self-reliance and the country's long-term goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, TOI reported.

13th Consecutive Address From Red Fort

Modi has addressed the nation from the Red Fort every Independence Day since becoming prime minister in 2014. His 2026 address marks the 13th consecutive occasion on which he has delivered the Independence Day speech from the historic venue. The milestone places him alongside India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who also delivered 13 consecutive Independence Day addresses from the Red Fort. Independence Day 2026: Nation Becomes Great When It Moves Forward on Strength of Its Dreams, Says PM Narendra Modi (Video).

Modi had reached his 12th consecutive address in 2025. With Saturday's ceremony, he became the second prime minister to complete 13 consecutive speeches from the venue.

Modi's Long Tenure in Office

The latest milestone comes as Modi continues his third term as prime minister. In June 2026, he also surpassed Nehru's record for the longest continuous tenure as India's democratically elected prime minister, completing 4,399 consecutive days in office. His Independence Day addresses have become a regular platform for announcing government initiatives, outlining policy priorities and presenting his broader vision for India's development.

Economic Growth at the Centre of Speech

In his 2026 address, Modi highlighted what he described as India's economic transformation over the past 12 years. He said India had moved from being counted among the "Fragile Five" economies to becoming the world's fastest-growing major economy. The Prime Minister also pointed to expansion in areas including defence production, electronics, railway manufacturing and other domestic industries. Independence Day 2026: PM Narendra Modi Hoists Tricolour at Red Fort; Vande Mataram Rendered for the First Time During Celebrations (Pics and Videos).

Modi linked these developments to his government's emphasis on manufacturing, self-reliance and strengthening domestic capabilities.

Focus on Developed India by 2047

A major theme of the address was the government's goal of building a developed India, or "Viksit Bharat", by 2047, when the country will mark 100 years of Independence. Modi called for bigger national ambitions and stressed the importance of energy security, critical minerals, semiconductor manufacturing and technological capabilities in achieving the target.

He also emphasised the role of India's youth in shaping the country's future, with this year's celebrations placing particular focus on "Yuva Shakti".

Vande Mataram Featured in Celebrations

The 2026 Independence Day ceremony also placed special emphasis on Vande Mataram, as the National Song completed 150 years. For the first time during an Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort, Vande Mataram was rendered as part of the official programme. The song featured prominently in Modi's address as well as the wider celebrations.

A Record That Reflects Modi's Tenure

Modi's 13th consecutive Independence Day speech adds another milestone to his tenure as prime minister. While the number of consecutive Red Fort addresses is primarily a measure of political longevity, the annual speech has also become an important occasion for successive governments to present their priorities to the country.

This year's address combined that established tradition with Modi's emphasis on economic growth, national self-reliance and the 2047 development target as India marked eight decades of Independence.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2026 09:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).