India showcases its military prowess on Republic Day

India's military prowess and achievements in different fields, state-of-the-art defence, diverse cultural and social traditions and the government's emphasis on self-reliance and indigenisation showcased at the Rajpath on the country's 67th Republic Day.

Francois Hollande, the President of France, was the Chief Guest of the parade. For the first time in the history of Republic Day parades, a 76-member French Army contingent led by a French military band comprising 48 musicians,marched on Rajpath and present a ceremonial salute to the President of India.

After a gap of 26 years, an Army dog squad drawn from the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC)  also took part, along with their handlers.

Sticking to the 66-year-old tradition of the Republic Day celebrations, the colourful BSF Camel Regiment consisting of 56 camels led by Deputy Commandant Kuldeep J Choudhary also marched on the Rajpath.

For the first time, the parade saw an ex-servicemen tableau where Army veterans showcased their role in nation building.

The Indian Army's missile firing



capability T-90 "Bhishma" tank, 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 (ICEWS) were the main draw in the mechanised columns.

An Indian Air Force tableau, with the theme "Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations by IAF: In Service of the Nation and Beyond" showcased models of C-17 Globemaster, C-130 Hercules and MI-17V5 aircraft, emphasising its use in the Force's rescue and relief operations in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Yemen and Nepal.

The Indian Navy's tableau have the theme "Empowering India through Maritime security and Indigenisation" displaying flight deck operations on the new aircraft carrier "Vikrant", under construction at the Kochi Shipyard, and the indigenously constructed submarine "Kalvari" by Mazagaon Dock, Mumbai, having a "Made in India" tag on them.

Twenty three of the twenty five children selected for the National Bravery Award–2015 also participated in the parade. Two children have got the award posthumously.

In the children's pageant section, about 500 boys and girls drawn from five schools in Delhi and a group of school children from South Central Zone Cultural Centre performed colourful dances on Rajpath.