Thousands enjoy colourful parade as India marks Republic day

Indian defence forces march in New Delhi (Manish Swarup/AP)

Thousands of people lined a ceremonial boulevard in the heart of India’s capital New Delhi on Friday to watch a colourful parade showcasing the country’s military power and cultural heritage to mark its 75th Republic Day.

French President Emmanuel Macron attended the parade as the chief guest at the celebration of the adoption of the country’s constitution on January 26 1950, following India’s independence from British colonial rule.