Republic Day LIVE | 'Nari Shakti' on display, 54 aircraft participate in flypast
French President Emmanuel Macron is the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted people on the occasion of India's 75th Republic Day.
In a post on X, Modi said: "Best wishes on special occasion of the 75th Republic Day. Jai Hind!" India celebrates Republic Day on January 26 as its Constitution came into effect on this day in 1950.
French President Emmanuel Macron is the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating the nation's 75th Republic Day with the 90-minute parade on the ceremonial boulevard – the Kartavya Path.
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- 26 Jan 2024 11:14 AM IST
'Nari Shakti', 'Atmanirbharta' themes ring in tableaux of IAF, Navy
The three wings of the armed forces on Friday showcased India's rising military might here with an impressive display of assets as their Republic Day tableaux complemented the over-arching theme of 'Nari Shakti' and 'Atmanirbharta'.
Highlighting India's growing prowess in shipbuilding, the Indian Navy tableau depicted the imposing indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and highly capable escort ships INS Delhi, INS Kolkata and INS Shivalik, the LCA, the ALH and the Kalvari-class submarine.
The Navy tableau's theme was 'Nari Shakti' and 'Atmanirbharta'.
The recent announcement of the Navy welcoming women in all roles and ranks is indeed a "shining symbol of progressive India", read the description about the tableau in an official booklet on the 75th Republic Day celebrations.
The naval band played 'Hum Taiyyar Hain', representing the force's might and combat readiness, and to its tune, marched a naval contingent of 144 young sailors, both male and female Agniveers.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent comprised 144 airmen and four officers and was led by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur.
Squadron leaders Sumita Yadav and Pratiti Ahluwalia and Flight Lieutenant Kirti Rohil marched along as supernumerary officers behind the contingent commander.
The Air Force band, comprising three drum majors and 72 musicians, played 'Sound Barrier Quick March'.
The IAF tableau depicted its overall theme of 'Bharatiya Vayu Dena: Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar' or 'Indian Air Force: Potent, Powerful and Self-reliant'.
The frontage showed a symbolic representation of a C-295 transport aircraft being flown by two women aircrew in the cockpit.
The presence of IAF GARUD commandos also signifies the enhancement of IAF's combat capabilities both in the air as well as on the ground, read the description about the tableau.
The middle portion of the IAF tableau depicted an IAF Tejas and a Su-30 aircraft flying over the Indian Ocean Region, signifying the ever-expanding reach of the IAF -- over land, as well as over the sea.
The rear portion of this float depicts humanitarian assistance rendered by the IAF, both within and across borders.
French President Emmanuel Macron is the chief guest at the grand celebrations, which has an overarching theme of projecting the nation's women power and democratic values.
The armed forces displayed an array of home-grown weaponry and military equipment such as missiles, drone jammers, surveillance systems, vehicle-mounted mortars and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles at the parade.
For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent took part in the country's biggest ceremonial event.
In another historic first, Lieutenants Deepti Rana and Priyanka Sevda, who are among 10 women officers commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery for the first time last year, led the 'Swathi' weapon locating radar and Pinaka rocket system at the parade on Kartavya Path.
Tank T-90 Bhishma, NAG missile system, infantry combat vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, weapon locating radar system 'Swathi', drone jammer system, and medium range surface-to-air missile were among the key displays by the mechanised columns of the Army.
The first Indian Army contingent leading the Mechanised Column was of the 61 Cavalry led by Major Yashdeep Ahlawat. Raised in 1953, the 61 Cavalry is the only serving active Horsed Cavalry Regiment in the world.
(With inputs from agencies)
- 26 Jan 2024 11:13 AM IST
Republic Day parade showcases all-women contingent of Armed Forces Medical Services
The Armed Forces Medical Services on Friday showcased an all-women contingent for the first time in the Republic Day parade here.
The tableau represented the pinnacle of military pageantry, highlighting the strength, discipline and resolute dedication of women officers of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
It also depicted their hard work, devotion and unwavering commitment extending far beyond the borders, encompassing patient care, logistics, casualty evacuation and public health initiatives in conflict zones in India as well as abroad.
Led by Major Srishti Khullar, the contingent comprised Captain Amba Samant from the Army Dental Corps, Surgeon Lieutenant Kanchana from the Indian Navy and Flight Lieutenant Dhivya Priya from the Indian Air Force, serving as the squadron officers.
The procession was followed by 144 officers from the Military Nursing Service.
Operation Dost conducted in February 2023 in Turkiye's Iskenderun was a prominent overseas relief operation for earthquake victims by the Indian Army's medical officers and staff.
- 26 Jan 2024 11:10 AM IST
Advanced Light Helicopters perform fly-past in Rudra formation
The Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) of the Army Aviation Corps performed a fly-past over the Kartvya Path in the 75th Republic Day parade on Friday. It was followed by marching contingents of the army.
The fly-past in the Rudra formation was led by the newly inducted Prachand helicopter, followed by three Rudra helicopters.
The marching contingents included those from the Madras Regiment, the Grenadiers, and the Rajputana Rifles.
The combined band of the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, the 58 Gorkha Training Centre and the 39 Gorkha Training Centre, and one of the JAK Li Regt Centre, the 1 Signal Training Centre and the Arty Centre, Hyderabad, were also among the contingents.
- 26 Jan 2024 11:04 AM IST
French Rafales, marching contingent take part in Republic Day parade
Two Rafale fighter jets flanked by a multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French Space and Air Force roared through Delhi's sky as India celebrated its 75th Republic Day at a grand parade on Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron gracing it as the chief guest.
As soon as around 95 French troops marched down the Kartavya Path at the heart of the national capital, the whizzing warplanes pierced the morning sky making thousands of spectators crane their necks in wonder.
A 30-member band contingent from France also drew attention at the grand parade.
It was the second time the French armed forces participated in India's Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, French troops became the first foreign military contingent to participate in the biggest ceremonial event of the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour at the prestigious Bastille Day Parade in Paris in July last year.
The Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter jets and a tri-services marching contingent took part in the Bastille Day parade.
