With a large military parade in New Delhi, India celebrated its national day today. Republic Day commemorates the country’s democratic constitution, which came into force 70 years ago on January 26, 1950. India had gained independence from Great Britain three years earlier in 1947.
At the military parade, military battalions and police officers marched across a crowded boulevard in the heart of the capital. Tanks, missile systems and fighter jets were presented. Celebrations also took place in other cities. However, protests occurred in parts of India.
Vortex about visiting Bolsonaro
India’s President Ram Nath Kovind received his Brazilian counterpart Jair Bolsonaro in New Delhi as a guest of honor. The right-wing politician’s invitation had previously caused criticism. Bolsonaro has caused outrage in the past with derogatory comments about gays, women and blacks. Yesterday Bolsonaro and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed several agreements to strengthen bilateral trade.
In the predominantly Muslim state of Jammu and Kashmir, the security situation on National Day was tense. Several explosions occurred in the state of Assam, but according to the police did not cause any damage. Protests against a controversial naturalization law took place in New Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai, among others.
The law makes it easier for illegally entered people from the three predominantly Muslim neighboring countries Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan to naturalize – provided they are not Muslims. Critics see this as a violation of India’s secular constitution because it binds rights to religion. The preamble to the constitution was read at a protest in New Delhi at night. Modi argues that the law helps religiously persecuted people from neighboring countries.
