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Parade marks India Republic Day Putin guest at India Republic Day
(about 2 hours 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin has attended a grand parade in India's capital Delhi as the guest of honour on the country's Republic Day.
The ceremony is also being attended by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President APJ Abdul Kalam. Indian PM Manmohan Singh and President APJ Abdul Kalam were also attending.
The parade through the heart of the city displays India's military might and cultural traditions. Security across the capital has been heavy, with at least 15,000 police and security personnel deployed.
Security across the city is heavy and at least 15,000 police and security personnel have been deployed. A number of deals have been sealed on Mr Putin's visit, including the Russian construction of four nuclear power reactors in India.
The even marks the day India became a republic in 1950. Deepening ties
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 through the heart of Delhi displays India's military power and cultural traditions and marks the day India became a republic in 1950.
The parade began with the playing of the Indian national anthem and a gun salute for President Kalam and President Putin. Mr Singh began the celebrations by laying a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti - Martyr's Memorial - near Delhi's famous landmark India Gate.
Military tanks and soldiers on horseback led the parade. The two leaders have sealed a number of deals
Nuclear contract The parade started with the playing of the Indian national anthem and a gun salute for presidents Kalam and Putin.
Mr Putin has been discussing energy and armaments deals with Indian leaders. Tanks and soldiers on horseback led the parade.
On Wednesday Mr Singh and the Russian leader signed a draft agreement for Russia to build four nuclear power reactors in India. Security was tight at airports, railway stations, embassies and tourist spots across the city.
Security across the city has been tight in preparation for the celebrations. Rail services were suspended and soldiers took 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 were set up across the capital.
Police checkpoints have been set up across the city, and motorists are discouraged from travelling to centre. Heavy security arrangements were also put in place in the cities of Mumbai (Bombay), Calcutta and Madras (Chennai) for Friday's celebrations.
Hundreds of people can be seen walking towards the parade location since the early morning, braving the winter chill. Roads were sealed leading to a stadium where a parade was being held in Indian-administered Kashmir's capital, Srinagar.
The event is watched annually by thousands, and hundreds of thousands watch it live on television. Security personnel were also deployed in large numbers in the north-eastern state of Assam where militant groups have recently killed scores of people.
Security has been tightened at airports, railway stations, embassies and tourist spots across the city. India and Russia have close ties, with Delhi remaining a top buyer of Moscow's weaponry.
In the past few years, some commentators have questioned whether India needs a military parade with such pomp and ceremony year after year. The countries also have rapidly deepening co-operation in the energy sector.
Heavy security arrangements have also been put in place in the cities of Mumbai (Bombay), Calcutta and Madras (Chennai) for Friday's celebrations. Mr Singh and Mr Putin have signed a memorandum of understanding on the four new nuclear reactors.
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. The two countries have also signed two deals on the production and joint development of aircraft and fighter plane engines.
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.