Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Barack Obama and President Pranab Mukherjee before the start of Republic Day parade at the Rajpath
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama were greeted with loud cheers as they arrived at Delhi's Rajpath for the Republic Day parade.
The PM first paid homage to soldiers who died fighting for the country at the Amar Jyoti Jawan memorial at India Gate, and then arrived for the parade, where he was greeted Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
The PM waved to the crowd and was greeted with loud applause. Despite on-off rain and overcast skies, tens of thousands were gathered along the route for the annual spectacle.
President Barack Obama arrived in his armoured limousine, the Beast, along with wife Michelle. They were both wearing overcoats and were greeted by the PM. The crowd cheered again for POTUS, who is the Guest of Honour for the parade.
Tanks, troops and floats showcasing India's cultural diversity move along Rajpath, athe elegant lawn-bordered boulevard dating from the British colonial era that connects the presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhawan to India Gate.