Republic Day Parade celebrations awaits the participation of ASEAN leaders with full zeal shaping India’s Act East policy

New Delhi, January 23: Addressing Republic Day Parade celebrations, Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that “India's Act East policy is really "taking shape" and the presence of 10 ASEAN leaders.” Appreciating the participation of ASEAN leaders, Nirmala Sitharaman India definitely is showcasing its Act East policy. And, we are happy that the event is going to happen with all of them present,” she said. 

Addressing the Republic Day Parade event, Defense Minister said that "The Prime Minister's intention that the Look East policy should now be the Act East policy is really taking shape.

In a unique event, for the first time the leaders of all the 10 ASEAN member countries - Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei - will be chief guests at the ceremonial parade at Rajpath on January 26. As many as 2,070 cadets, including 703 girls, from 29 states and seven Union territories are participating in this R-Day Camp. It will conclude with the 'PM Rally' on January 28.

 

Discussing NCC Camp Nirmala Sitharaman said that since its inception NCC has helped in the nation-building process by inculcating among the youth, discipline, confidence, camaraderie and a spirit of adventure. "I am very impressed by the high standard of the parade displayed by cadets at the camp and other skills during the cultural programme.

"NCC cadets have played their role in times of natural disasters, and in promoting government programmes like Swachh Bharat, and awareness programme for the girl child," she said in her address.

Further Sitharaman also visited the 'Hall of Fame' gallery where she was given a guided tour of the exhibits by the cadets. In the naval section of the gallery, she also admired a model of 'INS Ranvijay' and enquired from NCC officials about the Rajput-class destroyer, which was commissioned on December 21, 1987.