India's growing stature on show as Asean leaders attend Republic Day parade

Leaders of 10 Asean countries on Friday attended India's Republic Day celebrations as chief guests at the majestic Rajpath, signifying India's growing ties with the powerful grouping.

The Asean leaders joined President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Republic Day parade, making it an unprecedented event.

Cold weather conditions and dense fog failed to dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of spectators who witnessed the nearly one- and- a- half-hour-long parade that marched down the eight-kilometre stretch from the Rajpath to the Red Fort amid an unprecedented security cover.

 

Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, Singaporean Premier Lee Hsien Loong, Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah attended the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as he leaves after attending the parade in New Delhi on Friday

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Prime Minister of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and Cambodian Premier Hun Sen also watched the grand parade.

The participation of the Asean leaders at the event comes amid China's growing efforts to expand its influence in the region.

On Thursday, India and Asean held a commemorative summit celebrating 25 years of their ties. 

An equestrian academy player demonstrates tent-pegging skills in Bhopal

India’s former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia were also present.

A band leader performs at the parade in Kozhikode

Minutes before the parade began, the prime minister, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air force paid tributes at the ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’. According to tradition, after unfurling the national flag, the national anthem was played followed by a 21-gun salute.

India’s Akash Army Launcher is displayed during the parade Photo: PTI

A tableau of Karnataka on display at Rajpath

Differently-abled children perform during the Republic Day celebrations in Bhopal

An Army contingent marches across the historical ridge on the occasion of 69th Republic Day in Shimla