India marks 76th Republic Day with military spectacle

INDIA celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday (26) with a grand display of its military might that included elite marching contingents, missiles and indigenous weapon systems, with Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto gracing the occasion as the chief guest.

In a first, a tri-services tableau, depicting the broader spirit of "jointness" among the armed forces, rolled down Kartavya Path, the centrepiece boulevard of the national capital.

It displayed a battlefield scenario, demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and Advanced Light Helicopter.

The theme of the tri-services tableau was "Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat" (strong and secure India). The parade commenced with president Droupadi Murmu taking the salute shortly after she and Subianto, flanked by the Indian president's bodyguards, arrived at Kartavya Path in a "traditional buggy".

Prime minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh, several other Union ministers, the country's top military brass, foreign diplomats and senior officials were among the spectators on both sides of Kartavya Path.

The first Army contingent leading the mounted column was 61 Cavalry, led by Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar. Raised in 1953, 61 Cavalry is the only serving active horsed cavalry regiment in the world. It was followed by nine mechanised columns and nine marching contingents.

Tank T-90 Bhishma, NAG missile systems, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system, the Agnibaan multi-barrel rocket launcher, the Akash weapon system, the integrated battlefield surveillance system and all-terrain vehicle Chetak were among the key displays by the mechanised columns.

Indian Army's Brahmos missile system (L) takes part country's 76th Republic Day parade in New Delhi. (Photo by SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Light specialist vehicle Bajrang, vehicle-mounted infantry mortar system Airawat, quick reaction force vehicles Nandighosh and Tripurantak and the short-span bridging system were also on display.

The Army's marching contingents included the Brigade of the Guards, the Jat Regiment, the Garhwal Rifles, the Mahar Regiment, the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment and the Corps of Signals.

The Indian Navy's contingent consisted of 144 personnel led by Lieutenant Commander Sahil Ahluwalia as the contingent commander and Lt Commander Indresh Choudhary, Lt Commander Kajal Anil Bharani and Lt Devender as platoon commanders.

It was followed by the Naval tableau, depicting a strong "Aatmanirbhar" (self-reliant) Navy, capable of protecting India's maritime interests.

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) contingent comprised four officers and 144 personnel, led by Squadron Leader Mahender Singh Garati. It was followed by a fly-past by three MiG-29 aircraft in "Baaz formation". Another highlight of the parade was the veterans' tableau on the theme "Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar", a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering spirit of the ex-servicemen towards the nation.

Representing "Nari Shakti" (women power) at the parade were veteran women officers -- Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha. In its tableau, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed many home-grown critical systems and technologies developed by it.

The DRDO tableau, with the theme "Raksha Kavach -multi-layer protection against multi-domain threats" featured the quick reaction surface-to-air missile, the airborne early warning and control system, the 155 mm/52-calibre advanced towed artillery gun system and the drone detect, deter and destroy system.

Contingent from the Indonesian National Armed Forces takes part in India's 76th Republic Day parade. (Photo by SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

It also showcased the satellite-based surveillance system, medium power radar Arudhra, advanced lightweight torpedo, electronic warfare system Dharashakti, the laser-based directed energy weapon, the very short range air defence system and the unmanned aerial system.

It was for the first time that the indigenously-developed Pralay missile system was showcased.

A 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia also participated in the Republic Day parade. This was the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent participated in a national-day parade abroad.

The celebrations ended with a flypast by 40 aircraft and helicopters of the IAF. The fleet included 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft and seven helicopters. These included Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, C-295, C-17, AWACS, Dornier-228 and An-32 aircraft. The helicopters were Apache and Mi-17.

(PTI)