New Delhi, January 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid homage to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the newly-built National War Memorial (NWM) at India Gate here ahead of the 71st Republic Day celebrations.

The Prime Minister was received at the war memorial by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the first-ever Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Force Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria. Republic Day 2020 Live News Updates.

The NWM, which was inaugurated in February last year by PM Modi, has been built in memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives for the country post-independence.

After the Prime Minister laid the wreath, the Guard Commander gave Salami Shastra. Modi also wrote his message in the visitor's book at the War Memorial. The Prime Minister and other dignitaries are now heading towards the saluting dais at the Rajpath, where he will be received for the Republic Day celebration.