Ex-servicemen to showcase maiden tableau in Republic Day parade

Meanwhile, preparations were in full swing as the nation geared to witness the celebrations of its 67th Republic Day at the national capital. Apart from the French president’s presence there are several new attractions in this year’s Republic Day parade.

Proud Indians from all over the world will be watching, along with our viewers from the freezing climate of Leh to the remotest corners of Kanyakumari, as PM Narendra Modi welcomes French President Francois Hollande, who will grace the occasion as Chief Guest. Hindustan Times reported that the armed officers on duty include 15,000 from the paramilitary forces, 34,000 Delhi Police personnel and 1,000 National Security Guard officers.

Back in 2009, when Manmohan Singh visited France in his capacity as the Prime Minister, one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army – the Maratha Light Infantry – had marched with their French counterparts at the Champs Elysee in Paris.

The Delhi Police has also made strict arrangement to ensure security of people in various parts of the city on Tuesday.

The present WIPA network includes popular markets at Lajpat Nagar, INA Market, South Extension, Nehru Place and M-Block in Greater Kailash, metro stations like Mandi House, Inderlok, Welcome and Netaji Subhash Place, besides other crowded areas like Ajmeri Gate, Ballimaran, Red Fort, Azadpur, Bhogal, Seelampur market and Tilak Nagar.

The Celebrations will begin at 9: 25 AM in the capital amid heightened security.