Amid the coronavirus pandemic and farmers’ tractor rally against the farm laws, Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi wore a different look this year.
With no chief guest for the parade, the number of people witnessing the event has also been reduced to 25,000 from 1.25 lakh the year before.
Ahead of the parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to martyrs at the National War Memorial. As the parade concluded, PM Modi walked down Rajpath to greet people who came to witness the celebrations.
- It is for the first time in over five decades that India does not have a chief guest at the Republic Day Parade
- The size of marching contingents was reduced from 144 to 96
- All members who were a part of tableaux contingents had undergone COVID-19 testing
- Unlike previous years, children did not receive bravery awards in person due to physical distancing protocols
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India, Australia Share More Than the Same National Day: PM Morrison
Australian PM Scott Morrison said that while 26 January is Australia Day as well, the two nations share a lot more than a common national day.
“What wonderful coincidence it's of our history that 26 January Australia Day, is India's Republic Day, a national day shared between friends. Australia-India share more than national day. We pursue same ideals-democracy, freedom, liberty, diversity, enterprise, opportunity,” he said.
“Our history is long and our connections are many. With each year, we become even closer. The global pandemic has not divided us but has made us appreciate these shared ideals even more,” he said.
Rafale Jets, Tejas in IAF Flypast at Republic Day Parade
One Rafale with two Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft and two MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters, in 'Eklavya’ formation flew over Rajpath in flypast by the Indian Air Force.
The ‘Trinetra’ formation comprising of three Su-30MKIs - the three aircraft split outwards and upwards, forming a ‘Trishul in the Sky’ was also undertaken by the IAF. The formation was led by Gp Capt AK Misra. Commanding Officer of 15 Squadron with Sqn Ldr RC Kulkarni.
The flypast concluded with a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900km/hr carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’. The aircraft was piloted by Group Capt Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron with Sqn Ldr Kislaykant.