India showcases military strength, cultural diversity at 74th Republic Day

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) – India showcased its military prowess on Thursday at an event in New Delhi to celebrate the country's 74th Republic Day.

President Droupadi Murmu took the salute from the different columns marching on Kartavya Path, a revamped colonial avenue in the heart of the capital formerly known as Rajpath.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who is on an official visit to India, was the chief guest at the event.

Republic Day commemorates Jan. 26, 1950, the adoption of the country's constitution. In 1947, India obtained independence from British rule.

Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

In keeping with tradition, the national flag was opened, followed by the national anthem and the customary 21-gun salute, with an India-made canon replacing the vintage 25-pounder British gun.

Braving cold winter weather, thousands of people gathered to watch the parade, which officials described as a unique mix of the country’s "military prowess and cultural diversity, depicting the country’s growing indigenous capabilities, Nari Shakti (women empowerment) and the emergence of a ‘New India’."

This year, a Defense Ministry statement said, invitations were sent to common people from all walks of life, including street and vegetable vendors.

For the first time, the Egyptian Armed Forces marched down the Kartavya Path with a combined band and marching contingent.

Among the Indian Army contingents were those dressed in the uniform of the 61 Cavalry, the world's only active horse Cavalry Regiment.

At the parade ceremony, 27 tableaux depicting the country's rich cultural heritage, economic progress, and strong internal and external security rolled down the Kartavya Path.

The parade concluded with a flypast by fighters, transport planes, and helicopters from the Indian Air Force.

Elaborate security arrangements were made for the day, with multi-layered ground-to-air security cover at the main event.​​​​​​​