NEW DELHI, Jan 26 (Reuters) – India showcased its navy and its cultural variety in a vibrant parade on Thursday on the revamped colonial avenue in New Delhi to mark Republic Day, the anniversary of the day the nation’s secular Constitution got here into impact in 1950.

Several thousand individuals watched the parade from seats round Kartavya Path – or path of obligation – braving the chilly on a foggy morning in New Delhi, whereas thousands and thousands extra watched on tv. Known as Rajpath since independence, and as King’s Way throughout British colonial rule, the ceremonial central boulevard was renamed in September last year.

Accompanied by marching bands, troops from the nation’s navy, border and police forces paced in excellent synchronisation in direction of the dais the place President Droupadi Murmu took the salute.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was the chief visitor for the occasion and 144 troopers from the Arab nation’s armed forces additionally participated.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief of defence workers and the three service chiefs have been additionally current on the parade, which featured extra ladies within the navy contingents.

The nation’s wealthy and various heritage was showcased in vibrant tableaux from totally different states and ministries, highlighting the central theme of ‘nari shakti’ or ladies energy.

The military’s tableaux comprised solely locally-made weapons, reflecting India’s drive to turn into extra self-reliant within the defence sector.

The occasion climaxed with a flypast by 45 plane of the Indian Air Force, with French-made Rafales, Russian-made Su-30s and the Indian-made Tejas fighter jets placing on a powerful aeronautical show.

But foggy climate spoilt the spectacle, as spectators struggled to catch a glimpse of the plane as they roared overhead.

Reporting by Tanvi Mehta; modifying by Simon Cameron-Moore

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