The Indian Army contingent that participated in the Victory Day Parade at the Red Square in Moscow has been widely appreciated for their elegant military ceremonial drills.
Victory Day commemorates the triumph of the soldiers of the erstwhile Soviet Union over Nazi forces in the Second World War. The event was attended by more than 25 international leaders, including President Pranab Mukherjee.
The overall coordinating officer of the Indian contingent, Colonel Digvijay Singh, said that the army chose the Grenadiers to represent the country after they were judged to be the best marching regiment at the Army Day Parade held on January 15.
"India's contingent is participating with 10 other countries in the Victory Day Parade. It is a matter of pride and honour to march there with India's flag in front of the Indian President," Col. Singh told ANI.
"The Russian Army authorities have also informed me that the Indian Army contingent is the best in marching. The reason for that is their hard work because this contingent has been practicing for the past eight months," he added.
The marching contingent was led by Captain Vikash Singh Suhag, while the Tricolour was carried by Captain D.P. Singh.
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Raised in November 1779, the Grenadiers Regiment has won six Victoria Crosses before 1947 and three Param Vir Chakras since India's independence.
This is the first time that an Indian Army contingent participated in the Moscow Victory Day celebrations.