India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day on Monday, with President Droupadi Murmu presided over the grand parade from Kartavya Path. The President of the European Council Antonio Costa and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen attended as chief guests, marking a high-profile European Union presence at the ceremony.
This year's parade, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, is themed around 150 years of Vande Mataram, India's progress, military strength, cultural diversity and the spirit of Jan Bhagidari. The event blended tradition with technology, showcasing India's armed forces, indigenous defence systems, cultural artists, tableaux and a major fly-past.
