Putin congratulates Indian President and Prime Minister on Republic Day

India marks its Republic Day every year on January 26. This year the country celebrates its 74th Republic Day today.

Every year, New Delhi is the epicentre of the celebrations with an elaborate military and cultural parade down the central Rajpath Avenue, past the iconic India Gate to the historic Red Fort.

As is tradition, the country's President, Draupadi Murmu, raised the flag and the national anthem was played after a 21-gun salute on the recently unveiled Kartavaya Path, formerly known as Rajpath.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders greeted citizens on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day.

Vladimir Putin congratulated Indian President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Republic Day.

"Your country makes a significant contribution to international stability and security, to resolving important issues on the regional and global agenda. We attach great importance to relations of privileged strategic partnership between our countries"

Vladimir Putin Russian President

"I am confident that through joint efforts we will continue to build up mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in all areas. This undoubtedly corresponds to the fundamental interests of the friendly peoples of Russia and India," said Putin.

A grand parade will showcase a mix of the country's military strength and cultural diversity.

Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force along with other security forces will present a spectacular show in front of the nation as they march past the dais where the President along with other dignitaries taking the salute.

This year, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be the Chief Guest.

Millions of Indians witness the mesmerising sight of the rich tradition, cultural heritage and spectacle of the nation's progress and achievements.

Republic Day commemorates the day on January 26, 1950 the day when the Constituion of India came into effect after the country became a sovereign state after it got its Independence on August 15, 1947.

Meanwhile, President Draupadi Murmu, in her speech on the eve of Republic Day, hailed the Constitution and "the spirit of India". "India became the fifth largest economy in the world. It needs to be underlined that this achievement comes against the backdrop of high economic uncertainties around the world. This has been made possible by timely and proactive interventions from the Government," the President had said on Wednesday, as reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

Photo: IStock