The 67th Republic Day Parade was held at Rajpath in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Pranab Mukherjee and French President Francois Hollande attended, alongside the country’s top politicians and other eminent figures. The highlights of the parade included a march by the French regiment – a first in India – as well as displays by various units of the armed forces, cultural tableaux by the states, government ministries and special initiatives of the Centre. The biggest cheers, of course, went to the march by the army’s dog squad, which returned to the parade after 26 years.

11.40 am: The President's bodyguard mark an and to the parade after the Indian Air Force flypast.

11.35 am: Mi-35 helicopters make a chakra formation as part of the airshow, with three Sukhois and Jaguar jets making formations as well.

11.30 am: The airshow begins, with a C-17 Globemaster military aircraft flanked by two Su-30 fighter jets.

11.25 am: An army display team performs motorcycle stunts. The Indian Army Corps of Signals have four world records and eight in the Limca Book of Records to their credits.

11.10 am: A tableau on the Ministry of Social Justice was followed by the Ministry of Information Technology and and Communication.

10.45 am: Cultural tableaux begin at Rajpath, led by the state of Goa.

10.43 am: The National Cadet Corps band is followed by the women's marching and senior divsion boys' and senior division girls' marching sections.

10.40 am: The Delhi Police, and Indian Coast Guard contingents are followed by the women's division of the Central Reserve Reserve Police force at Rajpath.

10.35 am: The Seema Suraksha Bal band is followed by the Border Security Force's camel contingent.

10.25 am: Rajput and Garhwal regiments march at the parade. Security dogs join the parade after a long break of 26 years.

10.20 am: India showcases defence systems at parade. The Brahmos WPN missile system, Akash weapon system, T90 tanks, and integrated electronic communication warfare system are displayed.

10.12 am: A regiment of French soldiers marches at the parade. The 35th Infantry Regiment comprises 75 soldiers and served in India between 1781 to 1784.

10.10 am: Lieutenant General Rajan Ravindran leads the parade.

10.02 am: President Pranab Mukherjee hoists the national flag at Rajpath.

10 am: President Pranab Mukherjee and French counterpart Francois Hollande are escorted to the enclosure from where they will watch the parade.

9.54 am: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar receives the Prime Minister at Rajpath before the parade begins.

9.45 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute at war memorial Amar Jyoti Jawan and signs the ceremonial book.

9.38 am: French President Francois Hollande and President Pranab Mukherjee leave Rashtrapati Bhavan for the parade.

9.35 am: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar arrives at Rajpath.

The national capital is on high alert following several terror threats, with at least 50,000 security personnel deployed in the city for Republic Day. Hindustan Times reported that the armed officers on duty include 15,000 from the paramilitary forces, 34,000 Delhi Police personnel and 1,000 National Security Guard officers. French President Francois, who is in India on a three-day visit, will be chief guest at the parade at Rajpath this year.

Security in the capital was heightened after attacks at the Pathankot air force base earlier in January. Police and investigative officials have since then also made several arrests of those reportedly connected to terror groups, including the Islamic State. On Monday, a Mahatma Gandhi statue in Jaipur was vandalised, with pro-ISIS slogans painted on it, threatening terror attacks on Tuesday.

Delhi has been declared a no-fly zone for civilian aircraft during the parade, and flights will not take off or land between 10.30 am and 12.15 pm, NDTV reported. Forty-five buildings overlooking Rajpath have also been cordoned off, and snipers have been posted in each. All entry points into the city are being monitored. Reports said a seven-layer ring of security will guard the enclosure where Hollande will sit, with President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Other top politicians and eminent personalities are also expected to be in attendance.