Military precision, culture blend at Republic Day parade

India’s powerful military punch and its rich cultural heritage were showcased at the 65th Republic Day parade on a bitterly cold Sunday, with chief guest and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe keenly watching the 90-minute proceedings.

It was the coldest Republic Day in a decade at a minimum of 9.9 degrees celsius, forcing spectators – commoners and dignitaries alike – to swathe themselves in layers of protective.