India's elite counter-terrorism force, the National Security Guard (NSG), on Thursday made its debut at the Republic Day parade here.A contingent of some 60 commandoes in their black overalls and full armed gear marched on the Rajpath, giving ceremonial salute to President Pranab Mukherjee The other commandos were on seven vehicles with hydraulic ladders mounted on them.NSG's anti-hijacking van 'Sherpa' - a bullet proof armoured vehicle that can withstand powerful explosions and can be driven under water and on steep inclines - also made its debut in the parade.The Indian Navy on Thursday displayed the stealth guided missile destroyer INS Chennai and the indigenously-made Kalvari class Scorpene submarines at the Republic Day parade here.This year, the submarine arm of the Indian Navy is marking its golden jubilee, commemorating 50 years since Foxtrot-class submarine INS Kalvari was inducted.The first of the Scorpene submarines, a model of which was on display, has been named after the boat. Marine Commandos marched ahead.A model of P8-I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft was also on display.President Pranab Mukherjee posthumously awarded Ashok Chakra to Havildar Hangpan Dada, who was killed near in Jammu and Kashmir in May last year while fighting terrorists.Dada's sobbing widow Chasen Lowang received from the President the highest peacetime military award given for awarded for valour, courageous action and self-sacrifice.The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the guest of honour and Prime Minister Narendra Modi , watched in silence as Mukherjee saluted the courage of the dead soldier of Assam Regiment.Dada was killed on the night of May 26 after he first fought three terrorists in close combat in Naugam sector.He badly injured the fourth who fatally wounded him with a gun. The wounded soldier pinned down the fourth too and thus foiled an infiltration attempt from Pakistan A 149-member UAE military contingent took part in India's Republic Day parade here on Thursday, with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan watching as the Chief Guest.The United Arab Emirates' was the first marching contingent and marked the start of the annual colourful parade down the Rajpath.They presented a ceremonial salute to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.The contingent comprised of the UAE Presidential Guard, the Air Force, the Navy, the Army and 35 musicians. Leading it was Lt Col Abood Musabeh Abood Musabeh Alghfeli.This is the second time a foreign military contingent took part in India's Republic Day parade.The Goods and Services Tax (GST), the country's biggest tax reform initiative, figured at the Republic Day parade here on Thursday.Showcasing the GST was a tableau by the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).The blue-hued tableau with bowling pin and ball at the front and a map of India at the rear went past the Rajpath as President Pranab Mukherjee waved his hands in appreciation.The CBEC was one of the six central ministries to showcase their tableaux.Colourful tableaux from 17 states and union territories took part in the parade depicting India's varied culture and heritage.

Source: Economic Times January 26, 2017 07:25 UTC