As many as 144 representatives of foreign missions of the 153 with presence in Delhi came to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the Red Fort.
The Ministry of External Affairs claimed to have been "pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming interest evinced by heads of foreign missions posted in Delhi to the PM's Independence Day speech delivered from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
"Usually, out of the 153 foreign missions in New Delhi, 50-60 Missions approach us for passes to attend the ceremony at the Red Fort. However, this time we received an unprecedented request from 150 Missions to attend. Given paucity of space, only 144 of these could be accommodated. 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," an official said.
