Indigenous guns roar on India’s 74th Republic Day

Celebrations held with a chief guest after a gap of two years due to the COVID pandemic, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attending the ceremony

The drive for atmanirbharta or self-sufficiency in India’s military might, as well as the key role of women in the armed forces were both in the spotlight at India’s 74th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2023, held at the newly-renovated and renamed Kartavya Path in the capital.

After two years of celebrations without any chief guest due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was the chief guest at this year’s parade, the first with President Droupadi Murmu at the helm.

As the national flag was unfurled on a cold and windy morning, the 21-gun salute was presented for the first time by Indian made 105-mm field guns, replacing the seven vintage Quick Fire 25-pounder guns which have been used since Independence. The change was in line with the Central government’s push for the indigenous manufacture of defence equipment.

The Indian Army also showcased other Made-in-India equipment, including its main battle tank Arjun, the NAG missile system, the K-9 Vajra-T gun system, the AKASH air defence system, and the Brahmos missile. 

A combined band and marching contingent from Egypt, with 144 soldiers of the Egyptian Army was also part of the parade this year, led by Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy.

The parade was led by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, followed by the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees. Leading the Indian contingents was the 61st Cavalry, the only active serving horsed cavalry in the world

In a display of women’s empowerment, the marching contingents of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy were both led by women officers for the first time. While Lt. Commander Disha Amrith led the Navy’s 144 sailors, Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy headed 144 air warriors and four officers of the IAF.