India’s Republic Day 2022 was marked by a friendly gesture between the armed forces of India and Pakistan at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab’s Amritsar on Wednesday morning. India is celebrating its 73rd Republic Day on January 26 this year.

Officials from India and Pakistan armed forces were seen exchanging sweets and greetings while smiling, shaking hands and posing for the camera at the Wagah border.

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The gesture came ahead of India’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi, showcasing the might of the armed forces and the country’s cultural elements from different states and union territories.

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The Wagah-Attari border, which is on the outskirts of Amritsar on the Indian side, has been following a decades-long tradition of both Indian and Pakistan armed forces personnel lowering the flags in an elaborate ceremony. The event, which is held nearly every day, includes dance-like maneuvers from both sides.

Authorities also allow the presence of huge crowds to witness the ceremony, ensuring that thousands of people get to be a part of it. The tradition has been in place since 1959, media reports suggest.

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India is celebrating its 73rd Republic Day on January 26, 2022 and has planned a parade that is scheduled to include a lot of firsts. Indian Air Force announced earlier this month that 75 aircraft of the force will be carrying out an airshow. 

The beating retreat ceremony, which will be organised at New Delhi’s Vijay Chowk on January 29, will include about 1,000 ‘Made In India’ drones.

Multiple Indian politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress leader Rahul Gandi, passed on their greetings to the country on Wednesday morning to mark the day.