India marked its 77th Republic Day with a grand showcase of its cultural diversity, economic progress and defence capabilities, including displays of missiles, aircraft and weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor.
The celebrations in New Delhi featured an elaborate military parade, vibrant tableaux and cultural performances, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950.
The theme this year, “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, honoured Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s national song and ran through the parade, cultural events and public outreach programmes, linking India’s freedom struggle with its contemporary national aspirations.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present, alongside chief guests Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, who were accorded a Guard of Honour.
Ursula von der Leyen also drew attention for her Indo-European fusion attire, seen as a gesture of respect for Indian culture, as India and the EU moved to deepen strategic cooperation.
The Republic Day celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to the fallen at the National War Memorial, where he laid a wreath in honour of India’s martyrs, before proceeding to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path.
President Murmu arrived in the traditional buggy alongside the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the Indian Army’s senior-most regiment.
The National Flag was unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute fired from indigenously developed 105 mm Light Field Guns.
Ahead of the parade, President Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, and approved 301 military and gallantry awards, including several posthumous honours.
The parade then proceeded with the President taking the salute, featuring around 2,500 cultural performers from across states and Union Territories, while nearly 10,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds witnessed the celebrations.
The military segment of the Republic Day parade opened with a powerful display of India’s frontline weapon systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Akash air defence system, Suryastra rocket launcher and the Arjun Main Battle Tank, underscoring the country’s focus on combat readiness and indigenous defence manufacturing. Much of the equipment showcased reflected capabilities deployed or refined during Operation Sindoor, the May 7-10 conflict with Pakistan.
A highlight was the tri-services tableau depicting a simulated operational command centre, illustrating the coordinated use of offensive systems such as BrahMos alongside air-defence shields provided by Akash and the S-400. Led by Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, the parade featured the Army’s phased ‘Battle Array Format’ for the first time, combining mechanised columns, Special Forces units and aerial assets, including Dhruv and Rudra helicopters. Advanced platforms such as Apache and Prachand helicopters, T-90 Bhishma and Arjun tanks, unmanned ground vehicles and robotic systems highlighted the Army’s push towards future warfare technologies.
The Indian Navy tableau traced India’s maritime evolution from the ancient INSV Kaundinya to modern indigenous warships such as INS Vikrant, while the Indian Air Force contingent concluded the display with a fly-past of 29 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar fighters in a ‘Sindoor Formation’. In a first, a European Union military contingent also participated, marking the EU’s maiden appearance in a military parade outside Europe.
President Droupadi Murmu hosted the traditional "At Home" reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan to mark the 77th Republic Day.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former President Ram Nath Kovind, the Chief Justice of India, parliamentary leaders, Union Ministers, and eminent citizens.
Guests enjoyed North Eastern cuisine and vibrant cultural performances, celebrating India’s artistic heritage alongside the Republic Day festivities.
Simran Bala makes history, leads all-male CRPF contingent
CRPF Assistant Commandant Simran Bala scripted history at the 77th Republic Day parade by leading an all-male contingent of the paramilitary force along Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The 26-year-old officer from Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir commanded 147 personnel to the tune of the CRPF anthem “Desh ke hum hain rakshak”, becoming the first woman to lead a full male contingent at the annual ceremony.
Though women officers have led CRPF contingents earlier, this was a first of its kind. Commissioned in April 2025, Simran is the first woman from Rajouri district to join the CRPF as an officer. Coming from an army family, she is currently on her first posting with the ‘Bastariya’ battalion in Chhattisgarh, engaged in anti-Naxal operations.
Many firsts at 77th Republic Day Parade
The 77th Republic Day Parade featured several firsts, showcasing new capabilities and formations of the armed forces. Newly raised units such as the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion and the Shaktiban Artillery Regiment made their debut, alongside the Suryastra rocket launcher system with deep-strike capability. Indigenous military platforms rolled down Kartavya Path in a phased battle array formation, marking a shift towards a more operational presentation.
Adding colour and novelty, double-humped Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies appeared in the parade for the first time. In another departure from tradition, the mounted 61 Cavalry was seen in full battle gear rather than ceremonial uniform, led by Capt Ahaan Kumar, a third-generation officer, riding his charger Ranveer. A mixed Scouts contingent, drawn from high-altitude units across Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, also made its debut in operational winter gear, led by Lt Amit Choudhary of the Arunachal Scouts, drawing loud applause from spectators.
The newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, equipped with drones, counter-drone systems and loiter munitions, featured prominently in the Republic Day parade. Raised in October last year, the specialised assault unit had earlier made its Army Day Parade debut on January 15 in Jaipur and is designed for rapid response and high-intensity operations, bridging the gap between conventional infantry and Special Forces. Drawn from the Sikh Light Infantry, the battalion embodies the ethos of ‘Sant Sipahi’, with its name ‘Bhairav’ symbolising controlled aggression and righteous power.
The parade also showcased key defence assets including the BrahMos missile, Akash and MRSAM air-defence systems, ATAGS and Dhanush artillery guns, along with a static display of drones. DRDO unveiled its Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile, capable of engaging both static and moving targets. Adding a distinctive touch, the Remount Veterinary Corps contingent, led by Captain Harshita Raghav, featured Army dogs and raptors during the march.
State tableaux celebrate heritage, valour, and innovation
Several states highlighted their heritage, achievements, and cultural diversity through vibrant tableaux at the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path, bringing India’s history, traditions, and development to life.
Maharashtra’s tableau, themed “Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta”, highlighted the festival’s cultural, economic and environmental significance with dhol players, Lezim dancers and representations of the Ashtavinayak shrines.
Tamil Nadu blended tradition with technology, projecting its push for electric vehicles, automation and green innovation. Uttar Pradesh showcased Bundelkhand’s spiritual legacy alongside traditional crafts under the ODOP scheme and the state’s rapid industrial and infrastructure growth.
Assam’s tableau celebrated the Asharikandi terracotta tradition of Dhubri, depicting artisans, riverine culture and clay craftsmanship. Gujarat paid tribute to Vande Mataram and freedom fighter Bhikaji Cama, reflecting the spirit of swadeshi and self-reliance.
Chhattisgarh honoured tribal freedom fighters through a tableau dedicated to Veer Gundadhur and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh. Punjab marked the 350th year of the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, portraying his sacrifice for religious freedom and human dignity.
West Bengal celebrated Vande Mataram and paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Rabindranath Tagore and prominent freedom fighters. Madhya Pradesh highlighted the legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar through scenes of enlightened governance, Maheshwar Ghat and traditional crafts. Odisha showcased women-led development, Koraput coffee, handlooms and the Konark Sun Temple, while Himachal Pradesh honoured its identity as Dev Bhoomi and Veer Bhoomi, highlighting its natural beauty and military valour.
Manipur traced its journey from agriculture to global markets, Nagaland focused on the Hornbill Festival and indigenous culture, and Jammu and Kashmir highlighted its handicrafts and folk traditions. Puducherry showcased its craft heritage and the vision of Auroville, Rajasthan celebrated desert artistry through Bikaner’s Usta Art, and Kerala highlighted inclusive growth with the Water Metro, digital literacy and sustainable development.
In addition, 13 tableaux from Union ministries and departments showcased key national priorities. The Ministry of Home Affairs tableau stood out, highlighting the implementation of the three new criminal laws that replaced colonial-era statutes, underscoring a shift towards a modern, citizen-centric and technology-driven justice system. Other tableaux focused on defence preparedness, disaster resilience, education reforms, skill development, urban transformation, cultural heritage and technological self-reliance.
Global leaders extend Republic Day greetings
Several world leaders extended warm Republic Day 2026 greetings to India.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called India and China “good neighbours, friends and partners,” praising their improving ties as beneficial for global peace and prosperity. US President Donald Trump highlighted the historic bond between the world’s largest and oldest democracies, sending heartfelt congratulations to India.
French President Emmanuel Macron recalled his visit as chief guest at India’s 75th Republic Day, sharing best wishes on social media and expressing his eagerness to meet Prime Minister Modi again.
British King Charles III highlighted the enduring India-UK partnership, praising cooperation in clean energy, climate finance, and sustainable growth while emphasizing shared Commonwealth values.
Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu sent greetings, expressing hopes to strengthen bilateral ties. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenka lauded India’s democratic resilience and long-standing friendship, while Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wished India continued progress.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath thanked India for its support, and Iran, Israel, Australia, and Armenia also sent messages reaffirming their commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties.
