India celebrated its 70th Republic Day with a display of its military might and cultural diversity as the ceremonial parade rolled down the Rajpath in New Delhi on Saturday in the presence of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as the chief guest.
Various facets of Mahatma Gandhi’s life journey were displayed by the 22 tableaux to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the father of the nation.
An all-woman Assam Rifles contingent created history this year by participating for the first time in the parade, which was led by Maj Khushboo Kanwar.
Contingents of the Navy, Army Service Corps and a unit of Corps of Signals (transportable satellite terminal) were led by women officers too.
The military display included the artillery gun system M777 American Ultra Light Howitzers, recently acquired from the US and K9 Vajra, a self-propelled artillery gun.
Here are photos and scenes from the Republic Day parade: