No More Passes For PM Modi's Independence Day Speech, Some Diplomats Were Told

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day debut at the Red Fort had diplomats scrambling for seats and some could not get a spot, top sources today said. (Watch and Rate the PM's Entire Speech)

There are 153 foreign missions in Delhi, and requests for passes to the Red Fort came from 150, foreign ministry sources said.

"We were pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming interest among heads of mission in the PM's speech. Usually, 50-60 missions approach us for passes, but this time we received requests from an unprecedented 150 missions," officials said.

Only 144 could be accommodated due to space constraints, they added.

This time, the government arranged simultaneous English translation of PM Modi's speech, which was in Hindi and extempore. (Opinion: PM Modi, Extempore, Hits Right Notes)

Mr Modi is perhaps the first prime minister to speak without a script. Officials had earlier expressed concern that an unscripted speech would be lost on foreign diplomats.

But an official said, "Given the enormous interest shown by foreign missions, for the very first time, arrangements were made for simultaneous English translation for the benefit of the foreign diplomatic corps."

Seating was organized for some 10,000 people at the historic fort from where 15 Prime Ministers, including Mr Modi, have addressed the nation on Independence Day.

The 63-year-old prime minister spoke without a bulletproof glass protecting him. (In Pics: PM Modi's First Independence Day Speech)

After he won the national election in May, Mr Modi earned praise by reaching out to South Asian leaders including Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and inviting them for his swearing in ceremony.

His spectacular rise to power and style of governance have often been commented upon by foreign leaders.