NEW DELHI, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- India displayed its military might and cultural heritage Thursday at a grand parade in the heart of the national capital to mark the country's 68th Republic Day.
The parade was witnessed by President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was the chief guest at this year's Republic Day ceremony.
A flypast by Indian Air Force choppers marked the commencement of the parade. Subsequently, a number of contingents from three wings of the Indian armed forces -- the Indian Army, Navy and the Air Force -- marched past the parade.
For the first time, a contingent of the elite National Security Guard (NSG), which guards the country's VIPs and stages high-security operations, took part in the parade in its black gear and gave President Mukherjee a ceremonial salute.
The NSG's anti-hijacking van - Sherpa - a bulletproof armored vehicle that can withstand powerful explosions and can be driven underwater - also made its debut at the parade.
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