What Time is India's 68th Republic Day Parade Thursday?

INDIA

What Time Is India’s 68th Republic Day Parade Thursday?

Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince will be chief guest as India shows off its military hardware.

India will put its military hardware on display Thursday, as the country celebrates its 68th Republic Day in New Delhi.

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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 troopsled Indian soldiers in a soviet-style display of India’s military strength.

French Troops March at India's Republic Day Parade

French President François Hollande attended India's Republic Day parade on Tuesday. During his three-day visit, India signed an agreement with France to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets. Photo: Getty Images

Abu Dhabi’s powerful crown prince will also watch floats from 17 Indian states drive by, including from Mr. Modi’s state of Gujarat.

Policewomen took part in a full-dress rehearsal in Guwahati, India, Jan. 24, 2017.