India will put its military hardware on display Thursday, as the country celebrates its 68th Republic Day in New Delhi.
A parade along the city’s ceremonial boulevard Raj Path, which starts at 9 a.m. India time (10.30 p.m. ET), will showcase Indian culture and the country’s achievements in the fields of science and technology. The celebrations, which mark the day the Indian constitution came into force, have in the past been attended by former U.S. President Barack Obama, French President François Hollande and other world leaders.
This year, India will host Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, as the chief guest, who arrived in India Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him at the airport with his customary bear hug, a handshake and a welcome note in Arabic, which he posted on Twitter.
Mr. Modi and Mr. Nahyan will hold talks on regional and global issues of common interest during the crown prince’s three-day visit, said a news release from India’s ministry of external affairs. In 2015, India and the United Arab Emirates signed agreements on the manufacturing of defense equipment in India, sharing of intelligence inputs and announced partnerships in energy and infrastructure projects.
Preparations and rehearsals for the parade have been taking place for the past few days.
A contingent of troops from UAE’s armed forces will also march along Delhi’s most-famous boulevard. Last year, French troops led Indian soldiers in a soviet-style display of India’s military strength.
Abu Dhabi’s powerful crown prince will also watch floats from 17 Indian states drive by, including from Mr. Modi’s state of Gujarat.
India’s Goods and Services Tax, an attempt to reform the country’s messy web of taxes, will also feature as a subject of a float Thursday.
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