Military prowess, cultural unity mark India's 77th Republic Day parade
INDIA celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday with a massive display of its cultural range, economic progress, and defence strength.
The display included missiles, aircraft, newly formed units, and weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and chief guests from Europe were present at the venue.
The theme of this year’s Republic Day was “150 Years of Vande Mataram”. India displayed its development journey, cultural diversity and military might at the parade.
An elaborate defence line-up, cultural performances, vibrant tableaux and chief guests from the European Council were among several elements planned for the grand Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Monday, January 26.
India marked its 77th Republic Day, the day that commemorates the adoption of the Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950.
The theme for this year’s Republic Day was “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, honouring the national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The theme featured throughout the Republic Day Parade, cultural events, tableaux, public contests, and outreach programmes, placing the song at the centre of the celebrations while connecting freedom, cultural identity, and present-day national goals, an official press release said.
Who are the chief guests at the 77th Republic Day?
This year’s celebrations had Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, as the chief guests at the parade.
The two leaders received a Guard of Honour upon their arrival in India on Sunday. They are expected to adopt a joint EU-India comprehensive strategic agenda and broaden regional and multilateral cooperation on January 27.
What is on display this Republic Day?
BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, the rocket launcher system ‘Suryastra’ with deep-strike capabilities, and the Main Battle Tank Arjun were among the main military platforms that India presented during the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path today.
The newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion and Shaktiban Regiment, along with Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels, took part in the ceremonial event for the first time, officials were quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Officials also said that India showcased its development path, cultural range, and defence strength, including newly raised units and models of major weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor, at the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
The parade also marked the first appearance of the Shaktiban Regiment, which has been formed within the artillery and is equipped with drone, counter-drone, and loiter munition systems.
A tri-services tableau showing replicas of major weapon systems used by the Indian military during Operation Sindoor last May was one of the key attractions at the parade.
Republic Day parade 2026
It opened with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial, where he led the nation in honouring the fallen heroes by placing a wreath. After this, the prime minister and other dignitaries moved to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to watch the parade.
The arrival of President Droupadi Murmu, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission in the “Traditional Buggy” was accompanied by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.
As per tradition, the National Flag was unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute fired using 105 mm Light Field Guns, an artillery system developed in India.
The parade then moved forward with the president taking the salute. This year, about 2,500 cultural performers from every state and union territory took part. Around 10,000 special guests from different walks of life were invited to watch the parade.
