Narendra Modi Sets Record with Longest Independence Day Speech in India’s History

On August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history by delivering a 103-minute Independence Day address from the historic Red Fort, marking the longest such speech by any Indian Prime Minister to date. This speech not only surpassed his own previous records but also set new milestones in the annals of India’s Independence Day celebrations.

Modi’s Landmark Speech on Independence Day 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 103-minute address on India’s 79th Independence Day stands as a testament to his consistent engagement with the nation on this significant occasion. This speech surpassed his 2024 record of 98 minutes and reaffirmed his penchant for using the Red Fort platform to present his government’s achievements, share his vision for the future, and speak directly to the people of India. The 2025 speech marks the 12th consecutive Independence Day address by Modi, placing him second only to India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who delivered 17 consecutive speeches.

Look at Modi’s Independence Day Speech Durations (2014–2025)

Narendra Modi’s speeches over the years reflect both his evolving leadership and the changing political landscape. His first address in 2014 lasted 65 minutes. In 2015, it extended to 88 minutes, followed by 96 minutes in 2016 — which was his longest until 2024. In 2017, he gave his shortest speech at 56 minutes. The trend picked up again with 83 minutes in 2018 and nearly 92 minutes in 2019.

During the pandemic-affected year of 2020, his speech lasted 90 minutes. In 2021, he clocked 88 minutes, followed by a relatively shorter speech of 74 minutes in 2022. Then came the longer speeches of 90 minutes in 2023 and a record-breaking 98 minutes in 2024, culminating in this year’s 103-minute address.

Comparing Modi’s Speeches to Other Prime Ministers

Before Modi, the record for the longest Independence Day speeches was held by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 (72 minutes) and IK Gujral in 1997 (71 minutes). Modi has now exceeded these benchmarks on multiple occasions.

In contrast, some of the shortest Independence Day speeches came from notable leaders such as Nehru himself (14 minutes in 1954) and Indira Gandhi (14 minutes in 1966). Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speeches in 2012 and 2013 were relatively brief as well, lasting 32 and 35 minutes, respectively. Similarly, Atal Bihari Vajpayee delivered 25-minute and 30-minute speeches in 2002 and 2003.

Breaking Records and Setting New Benchmarks

With his 12th consecutive address, Narendra Modi has surpassed Indira Gandhi’s record and now ranks just behind Nehru in terms of continuity. Beyond duration, Modi’s speeches have consistently focused on major government initiatives, socio-economic goals, and aspirations for a developed India. The length and depth of these speeches reflect his communication strategy and leadership style — one that emphasizes detailed accountability and ambitious national narratives.