World | India
India showcases military might on Republic Day
India paraded its latest military hardware and nuclear-capable missile during its 58th Republic Day on Saturday.
- Agencies
- Published: 10:10 January 26, 2008
- Image Credit: Reuters
- India paraded its latest military might on Saturday in a proud display of its newfound economic power.
New Delhi: India paraded its latest military hardware and nuclear-capable missile on Saturday as Indians around the world celebrated the country's 59th Republic Day.
In New Delhi, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil watched the parade from behind bullet-proof glass.
Ahead of celebrations, Patil said India has become a "powerful player in the global economy" and added that it would not tolerate armed insurgencies.
Tight security surrounded the annual parade, marks India's proclamation as a republic in 1950 - three years after it won independence from British rule.
Singh held late night talks with Sarkozy on Friday to shore up strategic ties between India and France. The two nations signed a pact on nuclear power cooperation.
Sarkozy flew into New Delhi early Friday without his girlfriend Carla Bruni on a two-day visit.
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