New Delhi, Jan 26 (.) India marks its 77th Republic Day on Monday, with a grand display of its progressive journey, cultural diversity, and military prowess at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The celebrations will unfold as a vibrant blend of tradition, modernity, and patriotism, marking 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram.
President Droupadi Murmu will be presiding over the grand celebrations at Kartavya Path in Delhi.President of the European Council, Antonio Costa and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen are the Chief Guests, are the Chief Guests this year for the Republic Day.
Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, was elaborately decorated to reflect India’s remarkable journey as a nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings to the nation and said, “May this grand national festival, a symbol of India’s honour, pride, and glory, infuse new energy and enthusiasm into your lives.”
The celebrations will commence at 10:30 am, with Prime Minister Modi visiting the National War Memorial to pay homage to fallen soldiers, before proceeding to Kartavya Path to join other dignitaries at the saluting dais.
As per tradition, the national flag will be unfurled, followed by the playing of the national anthem and a thunderous 21-gun salute. The salute will be fired using 105 mm Light Field Guns, an indigenously developed artillery system, and will be presented by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.
The parade will begin with the President of India taking the salute, with Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, serving as Parade Commander. Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Delhi Area, will be the Parade Second-in-Command.
Recipients of India’s highest gallantry awards will follow, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, and Ashok Chakra awardees Major General C.A. Pithawalia (Retd) and Colonel D. Sreeram Kumar. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy, while the Ashok Chakra recognises gallantry outside combat.
The European union contingent will feature four flag bearers on three vehicles, carrying the flags of the European Union, the European union Military Staff, EU Naval Force Atalanta and EU Naval Force Aspides.
For the first time, the Indian Army will present a phased battle array format incorporating aerial elements. The reconnaissance segment will include the 61 Cavalry in combat uniform, followed by High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicles and aerial support from Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters and armed Rudra variants.
The Combat Support Element would consist of India’s new generation unmanned warhead arsenal showcased through SHAKTIBAAN and DIVYASTRA, mounted on specialised High Mobility Vehicles (HMV 6×6). Equipped with cutting-edge niche technologies, together they demonstrate advanced surveillance through swarm drones, tethered drone systems, and indigenously developed tactical hybrid UAV ZOLT, employed for direction of artillery fire. Their targeting capability is reinforced by a wide spectrum of aerial loitering munitions – HAROP, Mini HARPY, Peacekeeper, ATS (Extended Range), ATS (Medium Range), and SKY STRIKER-enabling precise engagement across the depth of the battlefield. These systems are capable of launching swarm drones, long-range drones exceeding 1,000 kilometres for see and strike missions, and loitering munitions for precision strikes on critical targets.
The combat segment will feature T-90 Bhishma and Arjun main battle tanks, supported by Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters. Other mechanised platforms include BMP-II infantry combat vehicles, Nag missile systems, special forces vehicles, robotic dogs, unmanned ground vehicles and autonomous systems.
Air defence assets on display will include the Akash weapon system and the Abhra medium-range surface-to-air missile system. A mobile integrated operational centre depicting Operation Sindoor will also roll past the saluting dais.
The parade will include animal contingents featuring camels, ponies, trained birds of prey and indigenous dog breeds equipped with surveillance gear. Marching contingents will represent multiple Army regiments, scouts units and combined military bands.
The Indian Navy contingent, comprising 144 personnel, will be followed by a tableau highlighting indigenous naval platforms, including aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Nilgiri-class frigates, a Kalvari-class submarine and naval communication satellite systems. The tableau will also depict historic and modern maritime expeditions.
The Indian Air Force contingent will include 144 airmen, synchronised with a fly-past by Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30 and Jaguar aircraft in a “Spearhead” formation.
A veterans’ tableau themed “From War to Nation-Building” will showcase the role of former service personnel in both conflict and post-service contributions. A separate tri-services tableau will depict joint military operations under Operation Sindoor, highlighting coordinated air, naval and ground actions.
An all-women Indian Coast Guard contingent will march, reflecting the force’s maritime security role along India’s coastline.
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