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GTV Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, greeted by Indian Prime Minister, Morarji Desai
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GV mounted cavalry awaiting
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TV President Sanjiva Reddy leaves coach and is greeted by Desai and officials
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GV Guard of Honour
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GV mounted cavalry parade through streets to beat of drums
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GV tanks parade through streets, dipping their guns in salute (TWO SHOTS)
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SV PAN field gun moves through street
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SV Guided missiles
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GV warplanes fly overhead
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GV infantry troops march through streets
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SV security force Camel Corps parades through street
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SV decorated elephants walk down street (TWO SHOTS)
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SV Children dressed as cricketers pass by
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SV ZOOM OUT TO Indian folk dancers performing in street
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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In India thousands turned out into the streets of New Delhi on Friday (26 January) to watch a parade marking the country's thirtieth Republic Day.

SYNOPSIS: Among those watching were Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, seen here being greeted by Indian Prime Minister Morarji Desai. India's President Sanjiva Reddy also attended the parade, which included full military honours and a display of armaments as well as more traditional festivities.

The army figured prominently in the proceedings -- demonstrating their skills with both ancient and more modern means of transport.

Since 1962 the Indian Army has been periodically occupied with border disturbances in the northern areas of the country, close to Pakistan and China. But recently diplomatic activity has been aimed at improving relations with China and next month Indian External Affairs Minister.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee is scheduled to visit Peking.

Some of India's most sophisticated weaponry was on display on Friday, but the theme of Mr Fraser's comments on his talks with Indian leaders during his visit centred on the effects of India's efforts to improve future peace and stability in Asia. He told a joint session of the Indian Parliament that their "good neighbour policy has led to greater self-confidence and an easing of tension and uncertainty."
During the Republic Day parade a cultural pageant was headed by traditionally decorated elephants. Various states of the Union presented tableaux and a group of school children performed a new drill in honour of a pastime inherited from the days of British rule - cricket. Of course no representation of Indian life would have been complete without dancers.