Grand salute to the Republic

India on Thursday put up a grand display of military prowess and cultural diversity in its first Republic Day parade down the renamed Kartavya Path with a raft of indigenously produced tanks, guns and missiles, elite soldiers on horseback, camels and motorbikes, women leading some of the biggest marching contingents, and jets roaring past an overcast sky.

The 90-minute parade showcased the country's push towards domestically manufactured weapons systems, an Egyptian marching contingent, the first batch of Agniveers, women in key leadership positions, the debut of the Prachand light combat helicopter in the Indian Air Force (IAF) fly-past, and a number of floats depicting "nari shakti" (woman power). Unlike previous years, the ceremony was largely free of controversy.

"Best wishes on the Republic Day. This occasion is also special because we are celebrating it during the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence. We wish to move ahead together to make the dreams of our great freedom fighters of the country come true. Happy Republic Day to all fellow Indians," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

Roughly 45,000 thousand spectators braved a cold and foggy morning to line Kartavya Path as President Droupadi Murmu kicked off the celebrations by unfurling the national flag. This was followed by a rendition of the national anthem and a 21-gun ceremonial salute, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as the chief guest of the ceremony.

The crowd included a group of special guests the construction workers and maintenance staff of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.