Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Sunday keenly witnessed the Republic Day parade at which he was the chief guest.
Dressed in a dark suit and sporting a striped yellow and black tie, Abe arrived at the saluting base on the Rajpath boulevard along with President Pranab Mukherjee, and was welcomed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
He was introduced to the three service chiefs and other dignitaries before taking his place to Mukherjee's right on the saluting dias.
The President's Bodyguard thereafter formed up, the tricolour was unfurled and the national anthem played before the general officer commanding of Delhi area, Lt Gen Subroto Mitra, rolled down the Rajpath to signal the start of the parade.
