January 26: A nation celebrates

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces President A P J Abdul Kalam took the salute of marching columns of large number of contingents from the armed forces, police, para-military forces and ex-servicemen, who showcased the country's military might and the diversity of Indian culture.

The first to appear was the mounted columns of the 61st Cavalry followed by mechanised columns of the army that showcased many state-of-the-art weapons systems, including the Soltam artillery guns, long and medium-range mounted versions of the surface-to-surface Agni missiles, Tinguska anti-aircraft missile systems and Hydrema Demining Vehicle.

The Israeli 155mm Soltam artillery guns, weapon-locating ANTPQ-37 radars, Network Operating Vehicle and Mobile Communication Code, displayed for the first time, drew applause from the crowd.

Soldiers stand alongside the Agni II missile during India's 57th Republic Day parade in New Delhi.

Photograph: Raveendran/AFP/Getty Images

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