Republic Day parade: India showcases military might, with a French touch
President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French Prime Minister Francois Hollande attended the Republic Day parade ceremony at Rajpath, New Delhi.
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French soldiers march on Rajpath during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. This is the first time foreign troops were part of the parade. French President Francois Hollande was the state guest for the celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Hollande in a show of solidarity with France after attacks in Paris last November killed 130 — recalling a 2008 assault on Mumbai that killed 166. Hollande is the fifth French president to accept this honour. AP
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T-90 tanks roll down Rajpath during the Republic Day parade. Other weapons on display included the Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP II (Sarath), Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Akash weapon system, Smerch Launcher Vehicles and Integrated Communication Electronic Warfare System. AP
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Indian security forces march during the Republic Day parade. The marching contingents of the army included horse-mounted columns of the 61st Cavalry, the Parachute Regiment, the Corps of Signals, the Rajput Regiment, the Garhwal Rifles, the Assam Regiment, 11 Gorkha Rifles and Remount Veterinary Corps Dog Squad. AP
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Another first, after a gap of 26 years, was the march by an Army dog squad drawn from the Remount Veterinary Corps along with their handlers. The dogs, draped in scarves which reminded one of the Griffindor House of Hogwarts, stole the show as they walked in perfect sync. AP
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Indian Army soldiers of Signal Corps carry out a daredevil formation on motorcycles on Rajpath. Of the two-hour event at Rajpath, their various formations stole the show. The Corps of Signals has four world records to its credit and eight records in the Limca Book of Records. This particular Pyramid formation represents the unity and diversity of India. AP
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Women members of India’s National Cadet Corps (NCC) march during the parade. All women contingents of Central Reserve Police Force, Railway Protection Force, Delhi Police and National Service Scheme also participated in the parade. AP
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Indian security forces’ colourful headgear make for a patriotic sight as they march during the parade. AP
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted dignitaries as he arrived at the parade venue. As per tradition, the parade ceremony began at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate after the Prime Minister paid homage to martyrs by laying a wreath. AP
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