India marks Republic Day with Egyptian leader Sisi as chief guest

Tens of thousands of people endured a winter chill and mist on Thursday as they gathered to watch a parade in the Indian capital showcasing the country's defence capability and cultural heritage on a newly revamped ceremonial boulevard.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi looked on as the chief guest at India’s Republic Day event, which marked the anniversary of the adoption of the country’s constitution on Jan. 26, 1950, nearly three years after it won independence from British colonial rule.

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A 144-member band and marching contingent from the Egyptian Armed Forces also joined battalions of the Indian military and police in the parade.

Sisi, in a blue suit and matching tie, was flanked by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wore a saffron-and-yellow-colored turban symbolising Hindu nationalist colours.

Egypt's Armed Forces march past during India’s 74th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Thursday. AFP

Howitzer guns, tanks, supersonic cruise missiles, anti-tank missiles and armored personnel carriers were displayed at the parade, with hundreds of men from police and military battalions marching along. Stunt performers on motorbikes also joined from the presidential palace.

Other participants included a camel-mounted regiment with its mustachioed riders led by a shiny brass band with tubas.

The 90-minute parade ended with a flypast featuring 75 air force fighters, including Rafale jets, transport planes and helicopters.

Rajpath Avenue, built by India's former British rulers, was redeveloped as part of India’s 75th-anniversary celebrations of independence the past two years. It is lined on both sides by huge lawns, canals and rows of trees, and has been renamed "Kartavayapath” (Boulevard of Duty).

Workers who helped refurbish the boulevard, their families and maintenance workers were seated in front of the main dais during the parade as part of this year's theme: "Participation of the Common People."

India traditionally invites foreign leaders to witness the parade. Former French President Francois Hollande was the guest of honour in 2016 and former US President Barack Obama viewed it in 2015. Ten Southeast Asian leaders watched the parade in 2018.