ASEAN leaders grace historic Republic Day parade

In 2011, Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was arrived India for Parade when India marked its 62nd Republic Day.

The celebrations included aerial displays and floats from Indian states. Prime Minister also highlighted the historic ties that define the relationship between India ASEAN Nations. But thanks to the special commemorative summit on “Shared Values, Common Destiny” held on January 25 as well as their appearance on our Republic Day, they have become nearly household names today.

Singaporeans should not read too much into the omission of several Senior Ministers of State from a recent joint statement by 16 office holders on leadership succession, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Friday (Jan 26).

As Mr Modi waived at the packed stands, thousands of people on both sides of the Rajpath, India’s ceremonial boulevard facing the seat of power on the Raisina Hill, braved the winter chill and cheered loudly at him.

The US has also been pitching for greater Indo-US cooperation in the strategically key Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Army’s T-90 tank (Bhishma), Ballway Machine Pikate (II/IIK), Brahmos Missile System, Weapon Locating Radar (Swathi), Bridge Laying Tank T-72, Mobile Base Transceiver Station and Akash Weapon System were also showcased at the parade.

This was followed by a cultural extravaganza of dances and gymnastics as well as tableaux from Indian states and government ministries and departments.

MANILA-India and other “middle powers” are “stepping up their games” in Southeast Asia to fill the power void left by the United States when it chose to focus on its “America First policy”, an analyst said Friday.

Cold weather conditions and dense fog failed to dampen the spirits of those who came to watch the parade.

The parade route was under heavy security as an estimated 60,000 policemen kept vigil and snipers were stationed on rooftops. Just like previous years, the main attraction was the aerial manoeuvres performed by the Indian Air Force.

While the projects instituted between the Indian government and the ASEAN nations have not shown much of progress, the ASEAN trust is a promising response for the Indian market which will provide the right amount of push for the economic cooperation which will define the new economic narrative required for the global markets.

A number of pressing issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and ways to tackle the threat of terrorism figured during the summit meeting as well as in bilateral talks Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with the ASEAN leaders.