India celebrates 77th Republic Day parade
New Delhi, Jan 25: India celebrates its 77th Republic Day Today, Jan 26, with a grand parade on Kartavya Path that blends 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram with the country’s developmental journey, military strength, cultural diversity and people’s participation. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the celebrations, with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attending as Chief Guests. The ceremonial boulevard from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial has been transformed for a 90-minute spectacle that will reflect India’s heritage, progress and resolve.
The celebrations will begin at 10.30 am with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial to pay tributes to fallen soldiers. The President, accompanied by the EU leaders, will arrive at Kartavya Path in the traditional buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard. The National Flag will be unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute using indigenously developed 105 mm Light Field Guns. The parade will be heralded by 100 cultural artists performing to the theme “Vividata Mein Ekta – Unity in Diversity”. Four Mi-17 V5 helicopters will shower flower petals in the Dhwaj Formation. The parade will be commanded by Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, GOC Delhi Area.
Gallantry awardees and EU contingent
Recipients of India’s highest gallantry awards, including Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra winners, will lead the march past. The European Union contingent will feature four flag bearers carrying the EU flag, the European Union Military Staff flag, and the flags of EU Naval Force Atalanta and EU Naval Force Aspides.
Indian Army’s Battle Array
For the first time, the Indian Army will present a phased Battle Array format, including aerial components. The display will feature the 61 Cavalry, indigenous armoured vehicles, DHRUV and RUDRA helicopters, T-90 Bhishma and Arjun tanks, Apache and Prachand helicopters, mechanised infantry, missile systems, special forces vehicles, robotic dogs and autonomous unmanned ground vehicles. Advanced combat support systems such as swarm drones, loitering munitions, long-range drones, Dhanush and ATAGS artillery guns, BrahMos missiles, rocket launcher systems, Akash and MRSAM air defence systems will also be showcased. A glass-cased Integrated Operational Centre depicting Operation Sindoor will roll past, highlighting jointness and indigenous capability. The Army segment will also feature the ‘Him Yodhas’ animal contingent, including camels, ponies, trained birds and indigenous dog breeds equipped with modern surveillance gear.
Naval, Air Force and Veterans’ displays
The Indian Navy contingent and tableau will depict the theme “Strong Navy for a Strong Nation”, showcasing historic and modern vessels including INS Vikrant, stealth frigates and a submarine, alongside a depiction of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition. The Indian Air Force contingent will march in sync with a fly-past by Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30 and Jaguar aircraft in the Spearhead Formation. The Tri-Services Veterans’ tableau, themed “Sangram se Rashtranirman Tak”, will highlight the transition of veterans from the battlefield to nation-building. A separate Tri-Services tableau will depict Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness.
Coast Guard, DRDO and Paramilitary Forces
An all-women Indian Coast Guard contingent will march, reflecting maritime security and coastal protection. DRDO will display the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, a hypersonic glide weapon designed for the Indian Navy. Marching contingents will also include personnel from CISF, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, Delhi Police, NCC cadets and MY BHARAT volunteers, underscoring wide public participation. The 77th Republic Day parade promises a powerful visual narrative of Virasat, Vividhta aur Vikas—heritage, diversity and development—anchored in national unity and self-reliance.
