Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had his bullet-proof shield removed at the last minute during a speech to celebrate the country's 68th independence day.

Modi addressed the nation on Friday departing from the traditional and conventional advice of several security agencies and authorities.

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The bullet proof glass surrounding the prime minister's lectern was obviously missing. Reports said Modi insisted on such a setup.

The prime minister wanted to converse with his people as freely as possible without any hindrance between them, according to the Indian business newspaper Economic Times. 

Modi made it clear to the authorities that he would not speak behind any bullet-proof shield despite terrorist threats and the advice that security agencies usually give to secure the prime minister's safety, the report said. 

Tight security measures were adopted ahead of Independence Day celebrations to prevent any public disturbance. Intricate security drills were put in place and the shield was set up around the prime minister's lectern days before his speech. 

At the very last minute, however, the enclosure was removed and even the Ministry of Defense was not aware of the decision.

The shield's removal caused dislocation of several fiber optic cables, but they were immediately restored.

During his address, Modi touched on a wide array of topics ranging from cleanliness to women's security.

After the speech, the Indian leader was able to freely mingle with guests and friends, as well as sign autographs for children, despite security concerns in such events.

In the 1980s, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi spoke without any protective shield at Red Fort.

Since her assassination in 1984, prime ministers have been secured with bullet-proof shields.

In 2004, the authorities built a 360-degree tube-like enclosure for Manmohan Singh and used it until 2013 to protect the prime minister against any threats.

TagsPrime Minister Narendra Modi