77th Republic Day celebrations: Sindoor fighter formation begins, European Union leaders at Kartavya Path

NEW DELHI: The Republic Day Parade, which showcases the country's military might and cultural diversity, began in Delhi's Kartavya Path. The chief guests, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, arrived in a 'traditional buggy' along with President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Kartavya Path, formerly known as Kingsway, after laying a wreath at the war memorial and paying homage to the brave martyrs of India. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan was also present.

Rafale, Sukhoi, MiG and Jaguar fighter jets that participated in Operation Sindoor will perform a fly past. Portraits and floral decorations related to the 70th anniversary of Vande Mataram have been arranged to embellish the boulevard. Brahmos-Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, Nag Missile System, Dhanush Artillery Gun, Arjun battle tank, and indigenously made drones will demonstrate India's strength. There will also be a new 'Bhairav ​​Battalion' formed to carry out rapid movements on the borders, and a band of nine women firefighters. 30 tableaus, including those from Kerala, will be lined up in the parade. Kerala is presenting a still image themed around 100 per cent digital literacy and the Kochi Water Metro. A 12-member team from the state is also joining the National Service Scheme (NSS) national team.

Delhi is under heavy security in the wake of the blast near the Red Fort on November 10. Police officers will be wearing AI glasses with facial recognition that can detect people with criminal backgrounds. When the faces of those with criminal records are seen in the police database, the glasses will light up red. They can be taken into custody. More than 10,000 security personnel are deployed along the route through which the parade passes.

Delhi Police announced that major roads across Delhi will be closed and diversions will be put in place on Monday in view of Republic Day. The parade, which started at Vijay Chowk at 10.30 am, will pass through Kartavya Path, India Gate, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg and culminate at the Red Fort. Traffic will be restricted from morning onwards. Public and private vehicles will not be allowed to enter the main roads on the parade route, including C-Hexagon (India Gate circle) and its adjoining roads, during the event.