PM Modi welcomes Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Republic Day parade

 India`s elite counter-terrorism force, the National Security Guard (NSG), on Thursday made its debut at the Republic Day parade here.

A contingent of some 60 commandoes in their black overalls and full armed gear marched on the Rajpath, giving ceremonial salute to President Pranab Mukherjee.

The other commandos were on seven vehicles with hydraulic ladders mounted on them.

NSG`s anti-hijacking van `Sherpa` - a bullet proof armoured vehicle that can withstand powerful explosions and can be driven under water and on steep inclines - also made its debut in the parade.

--IANS

The Indian Navy on Thursday displayed the stealth guided missile destroyer INS Chennai and the indigenously-made Kalvari class Scorpene submarines at the Republic Day parade here.

This year, the submarine arm of the Indian Navy is marking its golden jubilee, commemorating 50 years since Foxtrot-class submarine INS Kalvari was inducted.

The first of the Scorpene submarines, a model of which was on display, has been named after the boat. Marine Commandos marched ahead. 

A model of P8-I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft was also on display.

--IANS

Gorkha Rifles march during the Republic Day parade.

UAE contingent marches at Rajpath during the Republic Day parade.

Mechanised Infantry Regiment parading at Rajpath.

Lt Gen Manoj Naravane and his second-in-command, Maj Gen Rajesh Sahai paying respects to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces -- the President of India.

President Pranab Mukherjee arrives at Rajpath. Starts to present bravery medals to honor the brave soldiers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives from India Gate where he paid tribute to the tomb of all soldiers. He now arrives at Rajpath where the Republic Day parade will take place.

Mumbai's CST washed in tricolour. 

Search giant Google in its special doodle to mark the 68th Republic Day, today showed a stadium full of people amid a sea of tricolour decking up the arena.

The doodle displays one-half of the stadium, with crowd on two corners, while a saffron-coloured band runs along the inner periphery of the semicircular track.

The outer periphery of the track is shown decorated with tricolours and a semi-circular patch of green marks the space in the centre.

The word G-O-O-G-L-E has been spelt out in an arced fashion in the running tracks in bold green surrounded by two green grid patterns and one in red.

PTI 

This year’s parade will also see some of the firsts to its credit. For the first time a contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG) popularly known as the Black Cat Commandoes will march-past the Rajpath. The parade will also see the fly-past of three LCA Tejas Aircraft flying at a height of 300 m from ground in ‘Vic’ formation and the Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) developed by DRDO.

The parade will be led by Wind Commander Ramesh Kumar Dubey and will start with four Mi-17 helicopters flying the Indian flag and other helicopters flying ensigns of the armed forces.

This year the UAE military contingent is led by Lt Col Abood Musabeh Abood Musabeh Alghfeli will also march at the parade.

Watch India's 68th Republic Day Parade LIVE here: