Follow us on:   

India celebrates 64th Republic Day
January 26, 2013, 11:10 am

India-republic

[Getty Images]

India celebrated its 64th Republic Day with a grand national parade on Saturday on the 8km stretch from Rajpath (King’s Avenue) to Red Fort in New Delhi.

Security is tight across India and thousands of policemen have been deployed in major cities and towns.

The Indian Defence Research & Development Organisation displayed the 5,500-5,800 km ballistic Agni-V missile mounted on a road mobile launcher.

The country also showcased its military might with the MBT Arjun Tank, Armoured Ambulance Tracked Vehicle, BrahMos missiles and 214 mm Pinaka rockets, 15 metre Sarvatra Bridging System.

The celebrations were led by synchronised military and police contingents, as they marched to the cheerful tunes of bands through Rajpath, where Indian President Pranab Mukherjee took the salute for the first time after assuming office in July last year.

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was the chief guest at the India Republic Day celebrations.

A mini version of INS Vikramaditya, which will join the naval fleet by the end of this year, was also part of the parade, which highlighted Indian Navy’s blue water operating capability.

With Inputs from Agencies