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   Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort in New Delhi. He arrived at Red Fort after paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat this morning. The Independence Day speech was preceded by the unfurling of the tricolour. Clad in a white kurta and saffron turban, PM Modi condoled the deaths in recent floods across India and hailed the power of women. Throughout the speech, which lasted over 80 minutes, PM Modi touched upon an array of issues. The duration of PM Modi’s Independence Day speeches has always drawn diverse opinions. He holds the record for delivering the longest Independence Day speech when he spoke for 96 minutes in 2016. See pictures of the I-day celebrations at the Red Fort from earlier today.

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   Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the Indian flag during the 72nd Independence Day at the historic Red Fort. (Photo: PTI)

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   PM Modi hailed women and paid homage to freedom fighters. He said the Monsoon Session of Parliament was devoted to social justice.. (Photo: PTI)

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   Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation during Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort. "We are proudly celebrating Independence Day today as six women officers of the Indian Navy, circumnavigated the globe recently (on INSV Tarini)," said PM Narendra Modi as he began the August 15th speech. (Photo: Reuters)

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   Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with children during Independence Day celebrations. (Photo: PTI)

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   Several parts of India are witnessing good monsoon but at the same time parts of India have been severely hit by floods. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in these floods, in various parts of India, says PM Modi. (Photo: PTI)

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   Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with children during Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, in New Delhi on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. (Photo: PTI)

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   PM Modi paid tribute to the victims of Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He said, "Next year on Baisakhi, it will be 100 years of Jallianwala Bagh massacre. I pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives.". (Photo: PTI)

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   "We are very proud of what we have achieved but at the same time, we also have to look at where we have come from. That is when we will realize the unbelievable strides the nation has taken," said PM Modi. (Photo: PTI)

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    PM Modi lauds key decisons of his government such as increasing the minimum support price (MSP) of 14 kharif (summer sown) crops and Goods and Services Tax (GST). The PM said that these two decisons have benefitted farmers and traders of the country.. (Photo: Reuters)

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    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as he leaves after addressing the nation on the country's Independence Day from the ramparts of the historical Red Fort. India won independence from British colonialists in 1947. (Photo: AP)