New Delhi, The year 2026 has become a significant year for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in terms of achievements and records. In June, he set the record for the longest-serving elected Indian Prime Minister, and now, on August 15th, he achieved another milestone by hoisting the Tricolour from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the 13th consecutive time. His Independence Day address lasted approximately 77 minutes.

Nehru's Record for Continuous Term Surpassed

On June 10, 2026, Narendra Modi completed 4,399 consecutive days as Prime Minister. With this, he surpassed the record of the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who served for 4,398 consecutive days.

Following this, he set another record by hoisting the national flag from the Red Fort for the 13th consecutive time on Independence Day.

Flag hoisting from the Red Fort for the 13th time

Prime Minister Modi hoisted the tricolor from the Red Fort for the 12th time in 2025. This surpassed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's record of 11 consecutive flag hoistings. This year, he extended this record by hoisting the flag for the 13th time.

However, Jawaharlal Nehru still holds the record for hoisting the flag the most number of times on Independence Day from the Red Fort. Nehru hoisted the tricolor from the ramparts of the Red Fort a total of 17 times.

This year's speech lasted 77 minutes

The length of the Prime Minister's address this year was also closely watched. PM Modi addressed the nation for nearly 77 minutes. However, he failed to break his record set in 2025.

On August 15, 2025, the Prime Minister delivered a speech of approximately 103 minutes, making it the longest Independence Day address by an Indian Prime Minister from the Red Fort. Previously, his speech in 2024 was approximately 98 minutes long.

There was speculation this time whether the Prime Minister would break the 103-minute mark and set a new record, but with a 77-minute address, the 2025 record remained intact.

Special Event to Mark 150 Years of Vande Mataram

This year's Independence Day celebrations were also special for another reason. To mark the 150th anniversary of the composition of Vande Mataram, a special recitation of the song was performed from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

This event did not limit this year's celebrations to political and administrative achievements, but also highlighted the historical context associated with the freedom movement and national consciousness.

The Tricolor Hoisted After the Guard of Honor

As per Independence Day tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was saluted by the Inter-Services Guard of Honor and Delhi Police personnel. After inspecting the Guard of Honor, the Prime Minister reached the ramparts of the Red Fort and hoisted the national flag.

He then addressed the nation. In his speech, the Prime Minister placed special emphasis on youth power and the goal of a developed India by 2047.

Thus, 2026 is proving to be a year of records for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In June, he set the record for the longest-serving elected Prime Minister, and in August, he added another chapter to his achievements by hoisting the tricolor from the Red Fort for the 13th consecutive time.