Title: Independence Day 2026: PM Modi To Address Nation From Red Fort For 13th Straight Year

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations from the Red Fort in New Delhi.

After unfurling the national flag, Modi will deliver his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the historic venue.

‘Vande Mataram’ To Take Centre Stage

The 2026 celebrations will mark 150 years of the legacy of ‘Vande Mataram’, with the national song set to be rendered at the Red Fort ceremony for the first time.

The celebrations will also highlight the role of ‘Yuva Shakti’ in shaping India’s development and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Modi’s 13th Consecutive Address

Modi delivered his first Independence Day speech from the Red Fort on August 15, 2014, following his election as Prime Minister earlier that year. He has returned to the historic venue every year since, delivering 12 consecutive addresses between 2014 and 2025.

His 2025 speech, delivered on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, was his 12th from the Red Fort. Saturday’s address will be his 13th in succession.

Modi Has Surpassed Indira Gandhi

Modi has already overtaken former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who delivered 11 consecutive Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort. The record for consecutive Independence Day addresses, however, remains with Jawaharlal Nehru, who delivered 17 such speeches between 1947 and 1963.

2025 Speech Was His Longest

Modi’s Independence Day speeches have varied in duration over the years. His 2025 address lasted 103 minutes, his longest so far, surpassing the previous record of 98 minutes set in 2024.

This year’s celebrations will combine the themes of ‘Vande Mataram’, youth power and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision as Modi prepares to address the nation from the Red Fort for the 13th consecutive year.