PM Narendra Modi led the world's most populous nation in celebrating Republic Day with the country showcasing its military might and cultural heritage during a spectacular 90-minute parade at the iconic Kartavya Path on Friday.

The celebrations centred around the theme of highlighting women's power and democratic values, were graced by the president Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This year, French President Emmanuel Macron attended India's annual grand event as the chief guest.

The main function began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in honour of the Braveheart soldiers.

Minutes later, President Murmu and her French counterpart Macron arrived at the Kartavya Path in the 'traditional buggy', a practice which made a comeback after a gap of 40 years.

President Murmu unfurled the National Flag at Kartavya Path, amidst the playing of the National anthem and a 21-gun salute.

For the first time in the history of the Republic Day parade, a contingent of women soldiers from the tri-services – Corps of Military Police of the Army, Navy and the Air Force – marched down the Kartavay Path.

Led by 26-year-old Captain Sandhya, the smartly turned-out contingent represented jointness, integrity and synergy among the services.

The parade was heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments such as Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada for the first time instead of the traditional military bands.

In a spectacular display of cultural opulence and “Nari Shakti”, the “Vande Bharatam” showcased the theme “Cultural expression of women's power accomplishment through resolve”.

A group of 1,500 dancers under the banner of “Vande Bharatam-Nari Shakti” graced the parade with a message of unity in diversity.

The performance showcased 30 distinctive folk dance styles, including Kuchipudi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Satriya, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Manipuri, contemporary classical dance, and Bollywood styles.

During the parade, the armed forces exhibited a diverse range of domestically produced weaponry and military equipment, including missiles, drone jammers, surveillance systems, vehicle-mounted mortars, and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles.

Kartavya Path also witnessed a march past by a combined band and marching contingent of the French Armed Forces.

French connection:

A French Foreign Legion music band consisting of 30 musicians and the French marching contingent from the 2nd Infantry Regiment of the French Foreign Legion marched at the Kartavya Path with Macron attending the event as the chief guest.