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| Parade marks India Republic Day | |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| A grand parade marking India's Republic Day has begun in the capital Delhi, with Russian President Vladimir Putin attending as guest of honour. | |
| The ceremony is also being attended by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President APJ Abdul Kalam. | |
| The parade through the heart of the city displays India's military might and cultural traditions. | |
| Security across the city is heavy and at least 15,000 police and security personnel have been deployed. | |
| The even marks the day India became a republic in 1950. | |
| Mr Singh kicked off the celebrations by laying a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti - Martyr's Memorial - near Delhi's famous landmark India Gate. | |
| The parade began with the playing of the Indian national anthem and a gun salute for President Kalam and President Putin. | |
| Military tanks and soldiers on horseback led the parade. | |
| Nuclear contract | |
| Mr Putin has been discussing energy and armaments deals with Indian leaders. | |
| On Wednesday Mr Singh and the Russian leader signed a draft agreement for Russia to build four nuclear power reactors in India. | |
| Security across the city has been tight in preparation for the celebrations. | |
| Rail services have been suspended and soldiers have taken up position on buildings overlooking the parade route. | Rail services have been suspended and soldiers have taken up position on buildings overlooking the parade route. |
| Police checkpoints have been set up across the city, and motorists are discouraged from travelling to centre. | Police checkpoints have been set up across the city, and motorists are discouraged from travelling to centre. |
| Hundreds of people can be seen walking towards the parade location since the early morning, braving the winter chill. | |
| The event is watched annually by thousands, and hundreds of thousands watch it live on television. | The event is watched annually by thousands, and hundreds of thousands watch it live on television. |
| Security has been tightened at airports, railway stations, embassies and tourist spots across the city. | Security has been tightened at airports, railway stations, embassies and tourist spots across the city. |
| In the past few years, some commentators have questioned whether India needs a military parade with such pomp and ceremony year after year. | In the past few years, some commentators have questioned whether India needs a military parade with such pomp and ceremony year after year. |
| Heavy security arrangements have also been put in place in the cities of Mumbai (Bombay), Calcutta and Madras (Chennai) for Friday's celebrations. | Heavy security arrangements have also been put in place in the cities of Mumbai (Bombay), Calcutta and Madras (Chennai) for Friday's celebrations. |
| Security has been tightened in Indian-administered Kashmir, and roads leading to a stadium in capital Srinagar - where a parade will be held - have been sealed. | Security has been tightened in Indian-administered Kashmir, and roads leading to a stadium in capital Srinagar - where a parade will be held - have been sealed. |
| Security personnel have also been deployed in large numbers in the north-eastern state of Assam where militant groups have recently killed scores of people. | Security personnel have also been deployed in large numbers in the north-eastern state of Assam where militant groups have recently killed scores of people. |