Title: Independence Day 2026: PM Modi Set to Deliver 13th Consecutive Red Fort Address

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

He will unfurl the Tricolour from the historic ramparts before delivering his 13th consecutive Independence Day address to the nation.

‘Vande Mataram’ To Feature In Celebrations

This year’s ceremony will highlight the 150-year legacy of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. For the first time, the song will be rendered as part of the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.

The programme will also place emphasis on the role of ‘Yuva Shakti’ and its contribution to India’s development journey towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Modi’s 13th Red Fort Address

Modi first addressed the nation from the Red Fort on August 15, 2014, after assuming office earlier that year. He has delivered an Independence Day speech from the venue every year since then.

His 2025 address, delivered on August 15 during India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, was his 12th consecutive speech from the Red Fort. The 2026 address will take the tally to 13.

Modi Ahead Of Indira Gandhi

With 12 consecutive Red Fort addresses completed by 2025, Modi has already surpassed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s record of 11 consecutive Independence Day speeches.

However, he remains behind India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who delivered 17 consecutive Independence Day addresses from 1947 to 1963.

2025 Address Lasted 103 Minutes

Modi’s Independence Day speeches have varied considerably in length. His 2025 address lasted 103 minutes, making it his longest Independence Day speech to date. It exceeded his previous record of 98 minutes, set in 2024.

The 2026 celebrations will combine the themes of ‘Vande Mataram’, youth participation and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, alongside Modi’s 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort.