New Delhi, Jan. 26 (PTI): India's military might and rich cultural diversity were in full display during the 68th Republic Day celebrations in the national capital which had Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the chief guest.
Light rains and overcast skies failed to dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of spectators who witnessed the nearly one-and-half hour-long parade that marched down the majestic Rajpath, India's ceremonial boulevard, amid unprecedented security cover.
A highlight of this year’s parade was the 149-member marching contingent from the UAE comprising personnel from Presidential Guard, the Air Force, the Navy and the Army. They were led by their own 35-member band.
Sheikh Mohamed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces, was seated next to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wore a pink turban. The two leaders were seen sharing some light moments.
For the first time, a contingent of the National Security Guard, popularly known as the Black Cat Commandos, was part of the march past.
The parade also saw the fly-past of three Tejas LCA or light combat aircraft flying at a height of 300 metres in a 'Vic' formation.
The Indian Army's T-90 'Bhishma' tank, infantry combat vehicle BMP-2K, the BrahMos missile's mobile launcher, weapon locating radar Swathi and Akash weapons system and Dhanush gun system were among the main draws in the mechanised columns.
Alongside the Crown Prince, the ceremonial parade was watched by Vice-President Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and the country's top political and military brass, besides the diplomatic community.