Indian Army men attract all eyes during Russian Victory Day

MOSCOW: The Indian Army contingent, which today took part in the Victory Day parade here, was a big attraction among nearly a dozen foreign army contingents and thousands of Russia's own soldiers for elegantly displaying their military ceremonial drills.

With their decorative 'safa' and handlebar moustache, the Indian army men of Grenadiers became the cynosure of the parade and got applause from audience that included war veterans, widows, family members and foreign dignitaries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Pranab Mukherjee and other foreign dignitaries too reciprocated and clapped when the Indian jawans saluted them.

The marching contingent, with each member almost 6-feet tall, was led by Captain Vikash Singh Suhag while the tricolour was carried by Captain D P Singh.

Suhag later shook hands with Putin who in turn commended the contingents' show.

The contingent has been brought together after choosing the best soldiers from different formations of the Grenadiers Regiment.

"It was an honour to march for the Victory Day parade in Russia as India is the among the only 10 countries which are part of this proud event," said Suhag after the parade. He incidentally belongs to the same village from where Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag comes from.

The Indian team stayed with soldiers of China, Mongolia and Serbia in the same camp on the outskirts of Moscow.

The 75-member team, which arrived here on April 25, to exclusively participate in today's event will leave for home tomorrow.