A spectacular flypast by Sukhoi fighter jets and choppers, a march by special forces, skydiving by paratroopers, and a parade by horse-mounted troops were some of the highlights of India's Army Day celebrations held in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Among other displays that dazzled visitors at the Govinda Swamy Parade Ground in the Karnataka capital was a series of daredevil motorcycle stunts performed by the Army Service Corps.
Among other displays that dazzled visitors at the Govinda Swamy Parade Ground in the Karnataka capital was a series of daredevil motorcycle stunts performed by the Army Service Corps.
This was the first occasion the Army Day parade was held outside Delhi.
Previously, the Cariappa Parade Ground in the national capital had been the host of the iconic parade since its inaugural edition in 1949. Last year, the Indian Air Force's (IAF) annual parade was shifted from Delhi to Chandigarh in a break from tradition.
Earlier in the day, Army chief General Manoj Pande addressed the annual Army Day event, where he lauded the efforts of troops guarding the frontiers of the country.
General Pande also spoke about the ongoing border stand-off with China, declaring that the Indian Army was ready for any contingency on the northern border.
"Maintaining a strong defensive posture at LAC, we are ready to tackle any contingency," he said.
In the morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to extend greetings to veterans and serving personnel on Army Day.
"On Army Day, I convey my best wishes to all army personnel, veterans and their families. Every Indian is proud of our Army and will always be grateful to our soldiers. They have always kept our nation safe and are widely admired for their service during times of crisis," PM Modi tweeted.