India has formally unveiled the world's tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, which is dedicated to Indians' independence leader Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. /VCG Photo

On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inauguration ceremony and unveiled the grand monument in western India's Gujarat state. /VCG Photo

At the height of 182 meters, the iron monument is twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty in the US and is more than 50 meters taller than China's Spring Temple Buddha, the former world record holder. /VCG Photo

The statue's inauguration day coincided with the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Called the "Iron Man of India," the late Indian leader played an essential role in the country's struggle for independence and guided the nation toward unification. /VCG Photo