India marked its 75th Republic Day with a spectacular display of women power, cultural richness, and military prowess at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
The grand parade, graced by French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest, unfolded with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute.
The event commenced with the arrival of President Murmu and French President Emmanuel Macron in a traditional buggy, accompanied by the Indian president’s bodyguards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union ministers, military leaders, foreign diplomats, and officials were among the esteemed audience.
Highlighting the growing “Nari Shakti”, the parade featured, for the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent marching down the Kartavya Path.
Additionally, over 100 women artists played traditional Indian musical instruments, setting a unique tone for the celebration.
The mechanised column, led by the 61 Cavalry, showcased T-90 Bhishma tanks, NAG missile systems, infantry combat vehicles, and other lethal weapon systems.
The all-women tri-service contingent, led by Captain Sandhya, drew immense applause for their contribution.
Another remarkable moment was the fly-past by 46 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, featuring 29 fighter jets, seven transport aircraft, nine helicopters, and a heritage plane.
Notably, 15 women pilots, including six from the fighter streams, operated the IAF platforms during the fly-past.
The celebrations, themed ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat—Loktantra Ki Matruka’ (India—Mother of Democracy), culminated with a jaw-dropping fly-past, symbolizing India’s unity, strength, and rich cultural heritage on its 75th Republic Day.
Meanwhile, French President Macron, in New Delhi for the Republic Day celebrations, also participated in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on bilateral ties and global issues.
The leaders visited Jantar Mantar and shared a cup of tea, where Modi demonstrated India’s UPI payment system.
