The latest one, the sixth in the series, however, missed Pakistan for the second time, the first time in 2007, when he referred to the country's neighbours in general saying, "India wants to live in a neighbourhood of peace and prosperity. I assure all our neighbours that we in India want peace and the best of relations with all of them. I sincerely believe that in the prosperity and well-being of our neighbours lies the key to our own security and progress."
 
It all began with a mention of bilateral dialogue with Pakistan in 2004. "It is our intention to carry forward with firm resolve and sincerity, the composite dialogue process with Pakistan. The edifice of peace that we wish to build must stand on the twin pillars of mutual trust and confidence. Of course, trends of cross-border terrorism and violence make our task more difficult and complex." 

 
Interestingly, Pakistan-bashing was quickly followed by a positive note on ties with China. "As far as our relations with China are concerned, the positive trends, which commenced with Rajiv Gandhi's visit to China in 1988, have provided a sound basis for later trends in our bilateral ties."
 
But in 2008, he could not belie the country's feelings when he said: "The recent blasts in our Embassy in Kabul have cast a shadow over our efforts to normalise relations with Pakistan and to bring a lasting and honourable peace in our region. I have personally conveyed my concern and disappointment to the Government of Pakistan." 
 
Come 2009, Pakistan missed any mention while a general reference he made was: "As far our neighbours are concerned, we want to live with them in peace and harmony. We will make every possible effort to create an environment conducive to the social and economic development of the whole of South Asia." 
 
However, in case of China, there has been a turn-around over the past six speeches. From a 2004 reference to China on a positive note, it apparently reached the peak in 2006 when the Prime Minister praised China in no less way than a model along with Japan. "Look at where Japan was and where it is today. Look at where China was and where it is today. When I see them, I wonder whether we are living up to our full potential or not." 
 
But China did not figure in the speeches for two years consecutively and in 2009 too, it was a mere general reference to the region in the words: "We have good relations with the United States, Russia, China, Japan and Europe."
 
Though the mention of a country in the Independence Day speech by the Prime Minister hardly matters, the speech at the Red Fort is a clear pointer to the country's evolving foreign policy that is rendered to the people of India. Nehru never missed to make major policy speeches nor his successors. The missing middle here was China last year and Pakistan this year. It's worth watching until next year's speech to see whether it connotes any foreign policy shift by India.