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The ceremonial 21-gun salute during the 74th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path was fired by 105-mm Indian field guns as they replaced the vintage artillery with 25-pounder guns that traditionally did the thundering salute. Associated with the 2281 Field Regiment, seven 1940-era cannons formed the part of the artillery that had been firing the ceremonial salute during the Republic Day celebrations on Rajpath (now Kartavya Path).

Made in the United Kingdom, these vintage guns had participated in the World War II, according to sources.

India's military prowess and cultural heritage was displayed during the parade that started around 10:30 AM and ended close to noon time after a fly past.

Leaders from across the world extended their warm wishes to India on its 74th Republic Day. On this day, 74 years ago, India officially adopted its Constitution following its Independence. France’s President Emmanuel Macron conveyed his Republic day wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he is looking forward to setting new ambitions for G20 and Indo-French “strategic partnership”. “As India celebrates Republic Day, I convey my warmest wishes to my dear friend @NarendraModi and the Indian people. I look forward to setting new ambitions together for the G20 and for our Indo-French strategic partnership as it turns 25 this year,” Macron said in a tweet. Interestingly, Macron also extended Republic Day wishes in the Hindi language as well on Twitter.

In his address on the 74th Republic Day, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the day has come at the beginning of what he termed a ‘special year’ for the city as it gears up to host the G-20 Summit.

Exhorting the citizens of Delhi to ensure that foreign guests visiting the city during the event saw “the best face of India”, Saxena underlined that the event was an unprecedented opportunity not only for India but also Delhi as its capital. He said joint efforts needed to be made to achieve this objective both by government officials as well as citizens.

“Dear Delhites, this year is very special for us. India is chairing the G-20 and its summit is to be held in the capital Delhi itself. It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that during this time all guests who arrive see the best face of India and the capital,” he said.

The Egyptian side conveyed its keenness on acquiring the Indian platforms during delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, people familiar with the matter said.

The 68-year-old influential Arab leader arrived here on a three-day visit on Tuesday. He will grace the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest on Thursday.

Egypt has already held preliminary talks with India on the procurement of Tejas, the people said.

It is learnt that the Egyptian side is also looking at procuring Akash missiles and smart anti-airfield systems from India.

Addressing the nation on the eve of 74th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said India succeeded as a democratic republic because so many creeds and languages "have not divided but united us". This was her maiden speech on Republic Day after she assumed office of the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 25 last year.

"India succeeded as democratic republic because so many creeds and languages have not divided us, they have only united us," President Murmu said.

"I commend the roles of farmers, workers, scientists and engineers whose combined strength enables our country to live up to the spirit of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan'. I appreciate every citizen who contributes to the nation's progress," she further said.