• Friday, March 29, 2024

NEWS

India displays military might to mark Republic Day

A tableau from the Ministry of Agriculture (Photo: Reuters/Altaf Hussain)

By: Keerthi Mohan

Thousands watched as tanks, camel-mounted forces and motorbike stunt riders paraded in New Delhi Saturday (26), as India marked its 70th Republic Day in an annual display of culture and military might.

Indian soldiers march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 26, 2019. REUTERS/Altaf Hussain

The day marks the date in 1950 when India’s new constitution came into effect. India gained independence from Britain in 1947, but went through a transitional phase when it was still classed as a dominion.

Children perform during the parade. (Photo: Reuters/Altaf Hussain)

The parade at the heart of the Indian capital had the customary colourful array of security forces, including camel-mounted border forces in vivid turbans, tanks, missiles and groups from across the country in regional dress.

Indian Army T-90 (Bhishma) tanks take part during the Republic Day parade. (Money Sharma/AFP/Getty Images)
An Indian Air Force contingent marches during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2019. (Photo: Money Sharma/AFP/Getty Images)

‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) was on full display on the ceremonial boulevard with an all-woman Assam Rifles contingent creating history this year by participating for the first time in the parade.

An officer of Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force, shouts commands. (Photo: Reuters/Amit Dave)

Contingents of the Navy, Army Service Corps and a unit of Corps of Signals (transportable satellite terminal) were also led by women officers.

Beating Retreat ceremony, organised at the Vijay Chowk on January 29 every year, marks the culmination of the four-day-long Republic Day celebrations.

Soldiers hold the National Flag after it is lowered down during the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on January 29, 2019. (Photo: Money Sharma/AFP/Getty Images)
Marching bands from the Indian armed forces perform during the Beating Retreat ceremony (Photo: Money Sharma/AFP/Getty Images)

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