India showcased its military might with tanks and flyovers by roaring fighter jets and displayed its cultural heritage in New Delhi on Thursday to mark its 74th Republic Day. During the grand parade, the major attraction was the Indian forces marching contingents and their military equipment.

Notably, this year the marching contingents of the Navy and the Air Force were led by women officers. The Indian Air Force contingent led by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy consisted of 144 airmen and four officers. An all-women contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force was one of the highlights this year.

The parade kicked off with a march by a contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces -- consisting of 144 soldiers, representing the main branches of the Egyptian Armed Forces. This year, India has invited Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the chief guest of the parade.