Republic Day parade in capital held amid pomp and colour as French President witnesses
President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other Union ministers, chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, besides top civil officials were present on the occasion.
The 35th Infantry Regiment of the French army marched down the Rajpath in an event that witnessed for the first time military personnel of a foreign country participating in the programme.
The French President was the chief guest in the Republic Day celebrations.
India's rich diversity was showcased when nicely decorated tableaux representing passed one by one putting on display the socio-cultural specialities of all the states.
While the Indian Army presented a spectacular march past, the three divisions of the defence demonstrated the wide array of weaponry and gadgets.
The Army's dog squad from the Remount Veterinary Corps also took part in a march past as canines, guided by their handlers, trotted down the Rajpath.
In a unique feast for the eyes, the daredevils of the Corps of Signals of the Indian Army displayed their acrobatic skills with motorbikes.
The grand finale came with the spectacular air show by the pilots of the Indian Air Force.
A multi-layer security blanket was thrown around the national capital on the occasion.
About 50,000 security personnel, including 15,000 from the paramilitary, were deployed across the city as part of massive security arrangements.
The preparations came after a recent security review chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, where officials concluded there is a "very real" ISIS threat forRepublic Day when President Hollande will officiate as the chief guest at the parade.
Anti-aircraft guns and light machine guns were positioned at 10 strategic points along the route where the parade will take place. Around 1,000 snipers had been positioned on buildings within a two-kilometre radius of Rajpath.
Around 15,000 newly-installed CCTV cameras were used to keep watch over the parade route.
The city was declared a no-fly zone, covering a radius of nearly 300 kilometres, during the duration of the parade.
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