India celebrates Independence Day

The prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, led celebrations for the country’s 70th Independence Day by unfurling the tricolour flag before delivering a speech at the Red Fort in Delhi.

Mr Modi urged the nation to unite to help those affected by natural disasters and emphasised that peace should be sought.

The PM also claimed that only “hugs” would work when it comes to the disputed Kashmir region, not “bullets and abuses”.

It was the leader’s shortest Independence Day speech, which came after joking at one of his last addresses that people had been complaining about his long speeches. Today’s address, 15 August, came in at 54 minutes, a good deal less than last year’s 94 minutes.