Published on 12:00 AM, January 27, 2016

Republic Day Parade

India displays military might

French troops march in a first

Indian Army's T-90 Bhishma tanks (front) are driving during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi; Photo: Reuters, AFP
Afp, New Delhi

Thousands gathered in New Delhi amid tight security yesterday for India's annual Republic Day parade, a pomp-filled spectacle of military might featuring camels and daredevil stunt riders, with French President Francois Hollande the chief guest.

A contingent of French infantry in India for joint military exercises led the march down the capital's central Rajpath avenue, the first time foreign troops have ever taken part in the parade.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L), French President Francois Hollande (C) and Indian President Pranab Mukherjee wave to the media, Photo: Reuters, AFP

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Hollande in a show of solidarity with France after Islamist attacks in Paris last November killed 130 -- recalling a 2008 assault on Mumbai that killed 166.

A policeman performs a stunt, Photo: Reuters, AFP

The mood yesterday was more celebratory, with Modi -- sporting a gold turban that rivalled the spectacular military headgear on display -- and Hollande chatting as they sat side by side in a bulletproof glass enclosure.

The two-hour showcase of military might and cultural diversity included everything from tanks and state-of-the-art weaponry to camels and traditional dancers.

Dancers participate during the parade yesterday. Photo: Reuters, AFP
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