India marked its 77th Republic Day on Monday with an impressive display of military might and indigenous defence capabilities during the ceremonial parade on Kartavya Path. President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attended the celebrations as chief guests, marking a rare moment of European Union participation in India’s national event.
The parade, themed around 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, began with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute after arriving at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy, accompanied by the visiting leaders and the President’s Bodyguard. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other senior officials were present as the event opened with a cultural presentation titled “Vividata Mein Ekta” featuring around 100 artistes.
Led by Parade Commander Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, the parade featured a first-of-its-kind phased “Battle Array Format” of the Indian Army, integrating ground and aerial combat elements. The display included high-mobility reconnaissance vehicles and India’s first indigenously designed armoured light specialist vehicle, supported by Dhruv and Rudra helicopters. Main battle tanks T-90 Bhishma and Arjun rolled past the saluting dais with aerial cover from Apache and Prachand helicopters.
A military contingent from the European Union also marched in the parade, representing the EU’s first participation in a ceremonial military parade outside Europe. Key weapon systems on display included the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, and the Akash air defence missile system. ( With input from PTI)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com