The Republic Day celebrations began Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to the unknown soldier at the India Gate war memorial.
After Modi laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial to the unknown soldier, buglers sounded the Last Post and two minutes of silence was observed.
Modi then signed the Visitor's Book and headed back to the saluting base on Rajpath to welcome President Pranab Mukherjee and US President Barack Obama, the chief guest on the occasion.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh, and the three services chief were also present at the India Gate.
