Indian anniversary

Thousands of people turned out at spectacular parade that kicked off in the capital New Delhi. [AFP]

The country gained independence from Britain in 1947 [AFP]

Since then, India has been involved in two wars with Pakistan over Muslim-majority Kashmir, the Himalayan region that both claim [AFP]

For decades, dozens of separatist groups have fought Indian forces, seeking independence for Kashmir [AFP]

In the days before the 60th anniversary, security alerts were raised over reports on possible attacks from separatists [AFP]

In response to threats, at least 15,000 paramilitary troops were deployed in and around the capital to protect celebrations [AFP]

India has become the largest democracy in the world, but the majority of its people are still living on less than a dollar a day [AFP]

National Day comes as the fourth largest economy in the world plans to invest billions of dollars more in its military [AFP]