India marks national day with Egyptian president as guest

By MANISH SWARUP and ASHOK SHARMA
Associated Press

NEW DELHI (AP) — Tens of thousands of people have gathered to watch a parade in the Indian capital showcasing the country’s defense capability and cultural heritage on a newly revamped ceremonial boulevard. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi looked on as an official guest at India’s Republic Day event on Thursday, which marked the anniversary of the adoption of the country’s constitution on Jan. 26, 1950, nearly three years after it won independence from British colonial rule. A 144-member band and marching contingent from the Egyptian Armed Forces also joined battalions of the Indian military and police in the parade.