This is only the third time in India’s history that any foreign military contingent has been invited to participate in the Republic Day parade.
With focus on Bangladesh, a vintage Indian Air Force (IAF) Dakota will fly past at the Republic Day parade on January 26. The Dakota will be part of the Rudra formation, along with two MI 171V. Dakotas had played a key role in Bangladesh's war of liberation in 1971 and was used to airdrop troops. In fact, Bangladesh's air force began its journey with gifted Dakotas from IAF.
IAF's spokesperson Wing Commander Indranil Nandi said, "The entire nation is celebrating Swarnim Vijay Jayanti. As part of the celebrations, the vintage Dakota, which participated in the operations during the 1971 war, along with MI 171V will be flying past the dais when the Bangladesh contingent will be passing. "
This year, a 122-member strong contingent from Bangladesh's armed forces will be part of the Republic Day celebrations. This is only the third time in India’s history that any foreign military contingent has been invited to participate. The Bangladesh Armed Forces contingent comprises soldiers of the Bangladesh Army, sailors of the Bangladesh Navy and air warriors of the Bangladesh Air Force.
The majority of the soldiers in the Bangladesh contingent comes from the most distinguished units of the Bangladesh Army, comprising 1,2,3,4,8,9,10 & 11 East Bengal Regiments and 1,2 and 3 Field Artillery Regiments, who had fought during the 1971 Liberation War.
In 2021, Bangladesh celebrates its 50th year of Independence and as part of shared celebrations, the country will be a key center point at India's Republic Day parade. India, meanwhile, is celebrating "Swarnim Vijay Jayanti" which marks the 50th anniversary year of India's decisive victory over Pakistan in 1971.
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