India Displays Military might on 77th Republic Day

26 Jan 2026 8:39 AM IST

Operation Sindoor, Vande Mataram take centre stage

India Displays Military might on 77th Republic Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes salute during the 77th Republic Parade, at Kartavya Path, in New Delhi. (@NarendraModi/YT via PTI Photo)

New Delhi: India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday by showcased its military might in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, with cultural diversity, economic growth and Vande Mataram as the major themes with two top European Union leaders in attendance as chief guests.

The occasion also marked the convergence of a significant diplomatic moment alongside the display of military prowess as European Council president Antonio Costa and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, graced the celebrations at the majestic Kartavya Path.

In a compliment to the grandeur of the occasion and subtle diplomacy, Leyen became the cynosure of all eyes as she donned a traditional Indian attire —a maroon-and-gold brocade bandhgala jacket — paired with off-white pants. Known for her signature tailored pantsuits at international events, Leyen’s attire symbolised a marked departure from her usual style statement.

While the overarching theme of the event was 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, the Indian military’s Operation Sindoor found prominence at the event. A military contingent from the European Union, carrying the military staff flag and the flags of Operations Atalanta and Aspides, the naval operations of the grouping, also featured as a significant addition to the parade. This was also the EU's first participation in such an event outside Europe.

The major weapons systems on display included the BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, rocket launcher “Suryastra”, the main battle tank Arjun and an array of indigenously-built military platforms and hardware.

The gala celebrations began with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute shortly after she, along with Costa and Leyen, flanked by the President’s Bodyguards, arrived in a traditional buggy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh, several other Union ministers, the country’s top military brass, foreign diplomats and senior officials were among the spectators. Before the parade, Modi paid tributes to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.

The aerial flypast witnessed the participation of a total of 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters. These included the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft, complemented by strategic assets — C-130 and C-295, as well as the Indian Navy’s P-8i aircraft. The formations included Arjan, Vajraang, Varuna and Vijay.

A joint “Daredevils” team of motorcycle riders drawn from the Central Reserve Police Force and the Sashastra Seema Bal enthralled the audience with their manoeuvres. CRPF assistant commandant Simran Bala scripted history by commanding an all-male contingent at the parade. The 26-year-old officer hails from Jammu and Kashmir.

A tri-services tableau showcasing replicas of major weapon systems deployed by the Indian military during Operation Sindoor in early May was a major attraction. A glass-cased integrated operational centre, depicting the conduct of Operation Sindoor with the use of weapons systems like BrahMos and S-400 missiles, also captivated the spectators at the event.

In a first, the parade showcased a phased “Battle Array Format” of the Indian Army, including its aerial component. An added element comprised the 61st Cavalry in active combat uniform. It was followed by a high mobility reconnaissance vehicle. Providing aerial support was the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed version, Rudra, in Prahar formation, demonstrating battlefield shaping.

The combat elements then followed with T-90 Bhisma and main battle tank Arjun rolling past the saluting dais with aerial support from Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters. Other mechanised columns included BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle, along with Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-2.

Newly-raised Bhairav light commando battalion and Shaktiban Regiment were also prominently displayed. Double-humped Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies were also part of the ceremonial event for the first time, adding an element of curiosity and excitement among the crowds.

For the first time, a mixed scouts contingent, seen in their heavy thermal gear in an operational role, were also part of the parade. The parade also saw the debut of the Shaktiban Regiment, which has been set up in the artillery, to boost the Army's firepower capabilities. The newly-raised regiment will be equipped with a drone, counter-drone and loiter munition.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation showcased its hypersonic glide missile LR-AshM, which is capable of engaging static and moving targets and has been designed to carry various payloads. The missile has a first-of-its-kind indigenous avionics system and high-accuracy sensor packages.

About 100 artistes also heralded the parade, on the theme “Vividata Mein Ekta” (Unity in Diversity) that featured a grand presentation of musical instruments, demonstrating the nation’s unity and rich cultural diversity.

Live Updates

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended his greetings to India on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. In a press statement, he said that the United States and India share "a historic bond" and that the two countries are working closely on defence, energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies. In an official press statement, he said there is a "multi-layer" engagement between the two countries through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), and claimed that the India-US relationship has delivered real results for both countries and for the Indo-Pacific region.
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Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi unfurled the national flag in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin and other dignitaries at the Republic Day celebration at the Labour Statue near Marina beach front on Monday
26 Jan 2026 8:43 AM IST
As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day, featuring an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of Vande Mataram, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa are the Chief Guests as India marks its celebrations.
26 Jan 2026 8:42 AM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the 77th Republic Day, urging citizens to renew their commitment to a 'Viksit Bharat'. In a post X, PM Modi said, "Greetings to all countrymen on Republic Day. This national festival, symbolising India's pride and honour, should infuse new energy and enthusiasm, strengthening the resolve for Viksit Bharat."

Best wishes on Republic Day.

May this occasion add renewed energy and enthusiasm in our collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2026