![Indian Coast Guard cadets march past during India's 75th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2024](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/1608D/production/_132435209_gettyimages-1953607518-594x594.jpg)
India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day with a colourful parade at which French President Emmanuel Macron is the chief guest.
The day marks the anniversary of India officially adopting its constitution, making it a sovereign republic.
The parade, held in the capital, Delhi, went through the avenue of Kartavya Path (Path of Duty), formerly known as the Rajpath, which connects many important landmarks in the city. It culminated at the Red Fort, a 7th Century monument, about 7km (4.3 miles away).
![French President Emmanuel Macron attends Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/17B1D/production/_132435079_f655013a4b9b5b9d8a15e8a8a1aea6539eb9525e.jpg)
![Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures towards the crowd on Republic Day in New Delhi, India, January 26, 2024](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/124BF/production/_132434947_4969c7b8176d2f8c12606a4beb2d694a06674b62.jpg)
Part of the parade is a display of the country’s cultural heritage as well as its military might.
For the first time, an all-women contingent of army, air force and the navy also marched in the parade.
![Cadets of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) march past during India's 75th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/1737/production/_132434950_gettyimages-1953583869-594x594.jpg)
![Cadets of Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) camel regiment march past during India's 75th Republic Day parade in New Delhi](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/4685/production/_132435081_gettyimages-1953598520-594x594.jpg)
![Indian women soldiers perform a daredevil on bikes during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 2](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/11209/production/_132435107_bd8e8b745d3f0da1b27a18b45e0fe244fb34a96e.jpg)
For the first time, a French army contingent marched alongside counterparts from the Indian army, navy, air force, and paramilitary troops.
![A Contingent of French Foreign Legion Band takes part in the full Dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2024, at Kartavya Path on January 23, 2024 in New Delhi, India.](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/55AD/production/_132433912_gettyimages-1948411748-594x594.jpg)
The themes for the parade were ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) and ‘Bharat – Loktantra Ki Matruka’ or India – the mother of democracy.
![Tableaux of India's Uttar Pradesh state inspired by Ayodhya's Ram Mandir takes part in India's 75th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2024](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/A125/production/_132435214_gettyimages-1953699611-594x594.jpg)
![Dancers perform during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 26, 2024](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/1671D/production/_132433919_e0b2fe2be7aae1bf862a9aecc9087e846d60d014.jpg)
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