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TV grab of a rain-drenched Republic Day parade in New Delhi on 26 January 2015
Chinese leaders on Monday sent congratulatory messages to their Indian counterparts on the 66th Republic Day of the Southern Asian nation, pledging closer ties between the two neighbors.
India adopted its democratic constitution on January 26, 1950, the day when India became a republic, three years after it gained independence from Britain.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a message to his Indian counterpart, said both China and India, “as two ancient civilizations, are pursuing a great dream of national rejuvenation”, state news agency Xinhua said. China is delighted with India’s achievements in its development, he added.
Noting this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Xi said China is willing to make concerted efforts with India to lift their strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level.
India has celebrated its 66th Republic Day showing off its latest weapons at a military parade in the capital on Monday with US President Barack Obama as chief guest.
US and India have agreed deals on nuclear and defence at the beginning of President Obama’s visit to India.
Meanwhile, in a separate message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that in recent years, China and India have kept a stronger momentum in joining hands for cooperation and seeking common development.
China is ready to work with India to deepen their mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and build a closer partnership of development, he said.
On Monday, at Rajpath (King’s Avenue) in the Indian capital, President Obama watched the military parade seated next to the Indian Prime Minister even as spirits were dampened by rains.
A heavy blanket of security has enveloped the city with Indian media reports saying 15,000 security cameras have been installed in Delhi for the Obama visit with165 cameras installed just on one thoroughfare, Rajpath.
Braving the rain and overcast skies, thousands of people had turned up to watch the colourful parade that also showcased the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee unfurled the Indian flag and took the salute of marching contingents on Monday morning.
At the parade, the army displayed its tanks and missile launchers, where indigenously developed surface-to-air medium range missile Akash and Weapon Locating Radar were the main highlights.
Internet search giant Google marked the day with a colorful doodle showcasing a festive King’s Avenue, the venue of the military parade.
TBP
