Putin guest at India Republic Day

In pictures: Republic Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin has attended a grand parade in India's capital, Delhi, as the guest of honour on the country's Republic Day.

Indian PM Manmohan Singh and President APJ Abdul Kalam also attended.

Security across the capital has been heavy, with at least 15,000 police and security personnel deployed.

A number of deals have been sealed during Mr Putin's visit, including the Russian construction of four nuclear power reactors in India.

Deepening ties

The parade through the heart of Delhi displays India's military power and cultural traditions and marks the day India became a republic in 1950.

Mr Singh began the celebrations by laying a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti - Martyr's Memorial - near Delhi's famous landmark India Gate.

The two leaders have sealed a number of deals

The parade started with the playing of the Indian national anthem and a gun salute for presidents Kalam and Putin.

Tanks and soldiers on horseback led the parade.

Security was tight at airports, railway stations, embassies and tourist spots across the city.

Rail services were suspended and soldiers took up position on buildings overlooking the parade route.

Police checkpoints were set up across the capital.

Heavy security arrangements were also put in place in the cities of Mumbai (Bombay), Calcutta and Madras (Chennai) for Friday's celebrations.

Roads were sealed leading to a stadium where a parade was being held in Indian-administered Kashmir's capital, Srinagar.

Security personnel were also deployed in large numbers in the north-eastern state of Assam where militant groups have recently killed scores of people.

India and Russia have close ties, with Delhi remaining a top buyer of Moscow's weaponry.

The countries also have rapidly deepening co-operation in the energy sector.

Mr Singh and Mr Putin have signed a memorandum of understanding on the four new nuclear reactors.

The two countries have also signed two deals on the production and joint development of aircraft and fighter plane engines.