India celebrates 60th Republic Day amid tight security

India today celebrated its 60th Republic Day amid tight security and cities put on high alert.

In the national capital, the Republic Day celebrations to mark the adoption of the Constitution of India and the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic on January 26, 1950, were on full display at the magnificent Rajpath.

Due to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recuperating from his bypass surgery in All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Defence Minister A K Antony performed the customary duties of the Prime Minister.

Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev is the chief guest at the parade.

During the event, over 20,000 security personnel, including 5,500 paramilitary forces were deployed across the capital, in the wake of two Pakistani terrorists shot and killed in the city.

On her address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day, President Pratibha Patil said no country can afford to take an ambivalent attitude in the fight against terror.

"Arguments that terrorism is being perpetuated by independent actors are self-defeating and cannot be accepted. Countries must own up their responsibilities as must the international community in defeating terrorism," the President said.

"Technology should be used to counter terrorist threats to the nation. We should be far ahead of the terrorists who are increasingly using sophisticated technology to carry out their violent agenda."

Asserting that India's foreign relations since independence had been to promote peace and development, the President said: "We are, however, located in a region which harbours the epicentre of terrorism. We have been victims of terrorism over the last two decades."

Greeting India on the occasion, US President Barack Obama said Indians have no better friend and partner than the people of the United States.

"As Indian people celebrate Republic Day, they should know that they have no better friend and partner than the people of the United States," Obama said.

"I send warmest greetings of the American people to the people of India. Together, we celebrate our shared belief in democracy, liberty, pluralism, and religious tolerance."

On this day, Maharashtra Police ATS chief Hemant Karkare, Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte and four others - killed fighting Pakistani terrorists in Mumbai - were among 11 security personnel who received the Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peace-time gallantry medal.