French Army soldiers ion Tuesday created history by marching down the Rajpath during the Republic Day parade, becoming the first foreign military contingent to take part in the celebrations.
French Army soldiers ion Tuesday created history by marching down the Rajpath during the Republic Day parade, becoming the first foreign military contingent to take part in the celebrations. The contingent was led by Lt. Col. Paul Bury of the French Army’s 35th Infantry Regiment, one of the oldest regiments of France. The 76-member contingent marched before an audience that included President Pranab Mukherjee, visiting French President and chief guest Francois Hollande, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thousands of people, including hundreds of foreigners.
Forty-eight members of “The Music of the Infantry”, a ceremonial band based in Lyon in France, played two military tunes at the parade as the spectators cheered them.
Talking about the Republic Day, Lt. Col. Bury, who has twice served in Afghanistan, said it was a matter of pride and honour for his men to participate in the celebrations on the Rajpath. The French Army’s 35th Infantry Regiment traces its origin back to 1604 when it was raised in Lorraine in France. The regiment has as many as 12 battle honours to its credit. It has varied combat experiences, having served in Algeria, Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan among other places.
Chief of Staff, Delhi area, Indian Army Major-General Rajesh Sahai said that the parade was evolving and a foreign contingent should be a regular affair in the future.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army also showcased its T-90 Bhishma tank, capable of firing missiles, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP II (Sarath), Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Akash Weapon System, Smerch Launcher Vehicles and Integrated Communication Electronic Warfare System.
The marching contingents of the army included horse-mounted columns of the 61st Cavalry, the Parachute Regiment, the Corps of Signals, the Rajput Regiment, the Garhwal Rifles, the Assam Regiment, 11 Gorkha Rifles and Remount Veterinary Corps Dog Squad.
