Jalpaiguri/Darjeeling (West Bengal) [India], January 26: The 76th Republic Day celebrations in India reached beyond its borders as Indian security forces spread the spirit of unity and goodwill by exchanging sweets with their counterparts from Bangladesh and Nepal.
At the zero-point of the Indo-Bangladesh border in Fulbari, West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) exchanged sweets and warm greetings with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on the occasion of Republic Day. Meanwhile, at the Indo-Nepal border in Panitanki, Darjeeling, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) shared similar gestures with the Nepal Police.
The celebrations were marked by patriotic fervor across India, where citizens joined in honoring the nation’s democratic values and the significance of the Constitution. The grand Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in the national capital showcased India’s cultural diversity, unity, and military strength.
The Indian Army displayed an impressive range of military equipment, from advanced missile systems to indigenous defense technologies, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The Indian Air Force (IAF) put on a spectacular aerial display, featuring 40 aircraft and helicopters, including Rafale, Su-30, and Apache helicopters, flying in precision formations over Kartavya Path.
The parade also featured vibrant tableaux from various states, union territories, and central ministries, each depicting themes of India’s progress, heritage, and unity.
President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag at Kartavya Path, followed by the national anthem and a thunderous 21-gun salute with 105-mm Light Field Guns, an indigenous weapon system. This year, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest for the celebrations.
The Republic Day celebrations highlighted 75 years since the enactment of India’s Constitution, focusing on the theme of “Jan Bhagidari” (people’s participation). Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes at the National War Memorial before President Murmu’s flag hoisting, assisted by Indian Navy officers Lieutenant Shubham Kumar and Lieutenant Yogita Saini.