Indian soldiers takes part in India’s 75th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Jan 26, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)

India celebrated its 75th Republic Day on Jan 26 with a colorful parade that showcased the nation’s military might, women power and cultural diversity, with French President Emannuel Macron the chief foreign guest of honor.

Republic Day marks the anniversary of India officially adopting its constitution in 1950, making it a sovereign republic. India achieved complete self-rule on Jan 26, 1950, when the Indian constitution came into effect. 

Based on the twin themes of 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) and 'Bharat – Loktantra Ki Matruka' (India – the mother of democracy), this year's parade witnessed the participation of 13,000 special guests. Every year, the country also invites a foreign dignitary as the chief guest to the parade. This year, France’s Macron got the honor.

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The Republic Day parade commenced at 10:30 am from New Delhi's Vijay Chowk, following the route from Vijay Chowk to Kartavya Path, the avenue formerly known as Rajpath. The ceremony began with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial, where he led the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

Indian defense forces march through the ceremonial Kartavya Path boulevard during India's Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, on Jan 26, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

Modi, along with other dignitaries, then reached the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the grand parade that encapsulated the spirit of India's diverse and vibrant heritage.

Minutes later, Indian President Droupadi Murmu and her French counterpart Macron arrived at the venue in a traditional horse-drawn buggy, accompanied by men in red uniforms atop majestic horses, the practice which made a comeback after a gap of 40 years. Murmu then unfurled the national flag after which the parade began.

For the first time ever, the parade was heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments, marking a shift from the past when this was done by military bands. For the first time in the history of the Republic Day parade, all-women contingents of the Army, Navy and the Air Force marched in the parade.

The armed forces displayed an array of home-grown weaponry and military equipment such as missiles, drone jammers, surveillance systems, vehicle-mounted mortars and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles at the parade.

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Indian army contingent march past during India’s 75th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Jan 26, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)

As part of a cultural presentation organized jointly by the federal Ministry of defence and the federal ministry of culture, more than 1,500 dancers performed on Kartavya Path as part of the parade. The grand performance included 30 folk dance styles uniquely prevalent in different states of the country, as well as contemporary classical dances. The artists included tribal dancers, folk dancers, and classical dancers.

After the military presentations, as many as 16 Indian states and union territories displayed their regional heritage and diversity with the help of cultural performances and tableaux.

Motorcycle displays also enthralled the guests and audience at the parade. As many as 265 women bikers on motorcycles showcased bravery and valor, which was a spectacular event to watch. Meanwhile, around 15 women pilots also enthralled the audience during the Indian Air Force's flypast, representing women power.

Another first in the parade was the participation of two French Rafale fighter jets and a Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft in the flypast. A 95-member French marching contingent and a 33-member band contingent also took part in the celebrations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (front right) and French President Emmanuel Macron (front left) leave after witnessing the Republic day parade, in New Delhi, India, on Jan 26, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

After the conclusion of the parade, President Murmu and French President Macron left the place in a special presidential carriage. Other dignitaries left the venue soon after. The people watching the parade were thrilled at the stunning show of courage in the Indian motorcycle display and air show which marked the end of the parade.

The venue has a seating capacity of 77,000, with 42,000 seats reserved for the general public. The parade lasted around 90 minutes.

Delhi Police deployed over 14,000 security personnel across the capital ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, with authorities saying that “robust and flawless” security arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of the invitees and the general public.

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Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a dear friend, Macron took to X to post, “My dear friend @NarendraModi, Indian people, My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you. Let's celebrate!"

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.