In Photos: India Celebrates its 69th Republic Day With Gusto

Republic Day celebrations showcase India’s military might and cultural diversity every year on 26 January.

Indian artists perform during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India January 26, 2018.

(Photo: Reuters/Adnan Abidi)

This year India celebrated its 69th Republic Day with much pomp and splendour. The parade was led by GoC Delhi area Lt Gen Asit Mistry.

The Republic Day celebrations, which showcase India's military might and cultural diversity, have been witnessed by a number of world leaders, including the likes of Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin and Shinzo Abe, over the years.

This year, however, 10 ASEAN leaders attended the Republic Day parade at Rajpath which was unprecedented and reflective of India's stature as a major power in the region where China has been trying to expand its influence.

Indian Air Forces fighter planes Su-30MKI fly-past during the 69th Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on Friday, 26 January 2018.(Photo: PTI/Vijay Verma) 

Crowd of spectators during 69th Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on Friday, 26 January 2018.(Photo: PTI/Manvender Vashist) 

A Sidi Goma tribal group performs during the 69th Republic Day parade at Marina beach in Chennai on Friday, 26 January 2018.(Photo: PTI/R Senthil Kumar)

Spectators react as folk artists from Sidi Goma tribal group perform during the 69th Republic Day parade at Marina beach in Chennai, on Friday, 26 January 2018.(Photo: PTI/R Senthil Kumar) 

Indian soldiers march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 26, 2018.(Photo: Reuters /Adnan Abidi)

An Indian Air Force helicopter sprays flower petals during Republic Day parade in Gauhati, India, Friday, 26 January 2018.(Photo: AP/Anupam Nath)

India’s Sashastra Seema Bal soldiers march through Rajpath, the ceremonial boulevard, during Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, Friday, 26 January 2018.(Photo: AP)

A member of Assam police jumps through a fire wheel as he performs a motorcycle stunt during India’s Republic Day celebrations in Gauhati, India, Friday, 26 January 2018.(Photo: AP/Anupam Nath)

A National Cadet Corps member gives a command during a rehearsal of the Republic Day parade in Jammu, India, Wednesday, 24 January 2018. (Photo: AP/Channi Anand)

Members of Bharat Scouts and Guides are seen silhouetted as they play instruments before a full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in Hyderabad, India, Wednesday.(Photo: AP)

Indian artists perform during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, 26 January 2018.(Photo: Reuters/Adnan Abidi)

Indian Army “Daredevils” motorcycle riders perform during the Republic Day parade in Kolkata, India, 26 January 2018.(Photo: Reuters/Rupak de Chowdhuri)

Members of police wait with their trumpets to perform during Republic Day celebrations in Bangalore, India, Friday, 26 January 2018.(Photo: AP/Aijaz Rahi)

An Indian woman Air Force officer on a tableau salutes to the base during India’s Republic Day celebrations in Kolkata, India, 26 January 2018.(Photo: AP/Bikas Das)

A contingent of Jammu and Kashmir police during the 69th Republic Day parade at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket stadium in Srinagar on Friday, 26 January 2018.(Photo: PTI/S Irfan)