India Celebrates 63rd Republic Day; Displays its Military Prowess

India is celebrating its 63rd Republic Day on Jan, 26, 2012. This year's parade will highlight the nation's achievements in various fields along with the military prowess, scintillating display of air power as also country's rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paid a solemn tribute to soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the nation by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in New Delhi.

The highlight of this year's Parade will be the 3,000 kms range Agni-IV missile. The intermediate range surface-to-surface ballistic missile mounted on a road mobile launcher is being paraded by the Defence Research and Development Organization.

The weaponry put on display by the Indian Army includes the T-72 tank, Carrier Mortar Tracked, SMERCH Multiple Launch Rocket System, Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket System, Full Width Mine Plough, NBC Water Purification Systems and Jammer Station VHF/UHF. The Army's Mechanized Columns will conclude with a flypast by the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv of the Army Aviation Corps.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade. He became the third consecutive leader from South East Asia to be attend India’s Republic day parade.