THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 26, 2026

India marked its 77th Republic Day with a majestic parade on Kartavya Path that blended military might, cultural grandeur and diplomatic symbolism, projecting a confident nation rooted in unity and prepared for the future. Against the evocative backdrop of 150 years of *Vande Mataram*, the celebrations carried a distinct imprint of courage and resolve, with the armed forces’ Operation Sindoor emerging as a powerful motif of valour and preparedness.

The ceremonial proceedings began with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute after arriving at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy, accompanied by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the chief guests for the occasion. Their presence underscored India’s growing global stature and deepening strategic engagement with Europe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior Union ministers, top military leadership, diplomats and officials witnessed the spectacle from the saluting dais.

The parade opened on a vibrant cultural note as nearly a hundred artistes set the rhythm with a sweeping musical presentation themed *Vividata Mein Ekta*, celebrating India’s civilisational diversity and collective harmony. Precision and pageantry followed as the marching columns moved in step, led by Parade Commander Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.

Operation Sindoor took centrestage through a striking tri-services tableau that showcased replicas of key weapon systems employed during the operation earlier this year. A glass-encased integrated operations centre rolled down the boulevard, visually narrating the coordination and technological prowess behind modern Indian warfare, including the deployment of BrahMos and S-400 missile systems.

For the first time, the Indian Army presented a phased Battle Array Format, integrating ground and aerial combat elements in a seamless display. The reconnaissance component featured the storied 61 Cavalry in active combat gear, followed by high-mobility reconnaissance vehicles. Overhead, indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters and their armed Rudra variants flew in Prahar formation, illustrating battlefield dominance and rapid response capability. Heavy armour soon followed, with T-90 Bhishma tanks and the indigenous Arjun main battle tanks advancing with air cover from Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters. Mechanised strength was further highlighted by BMP-II infantry combat vehicles and the Nag missile system in its tracked Mk-2 configuration.

India’s cutting-edge missile capabilities drew special attention with the display of the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System, Akash surface-to-air missiles and the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, reinforcing the country’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The Defence Research and Development Organisation showcased its hypersonic glide missile LR-AShM, designed to strike both static and moving targets with high precision, featuring indigenously developed avionics and advanced sensor systems.

Adding a significant international dimension, a military contingent from the European Union marched with the flags of Operations Atalanta and Aspides, marking the EU’s first-ever participation in a military parade outside Europe. The gesture symbolised expanding security cooperation and mutual trust.

The Indian Navy contingent, comprising 144 young sailors, marched smartly under the leadership of Lt Karan Nagyal, followed by a visually rich naval tableau themed *Strong Navy for a Strong Nation*. It traced India’s maritime legacy from a reconstructed fifth-century stitched ship, INSV Kaundinya, through the Maratha Navy’s Gurab-class vessels, to modern indigenous platforms such as aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri. The tableau also depicted the historic circumnavigation route of INSV Tarini during the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition, with Sea Cadets Corps members marching alongside, reflecting youth engagement in maritime traditions.

The Indian Air Force contingent, led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar, marched in crisp formation before the skies erupted in thunder. Two Rafale fighters, flanked by MiG-29s, Su-30 MKIs and a Jaguar aircraft, roared past in the dramatic Spearhead formation, symbolically dubbed the “Sindoor Formation,” drawing loud applause from spectators.

Altogether, 30 tableaux representing states, Union Territories and central ministries rolled past the saluting dais, weaving together themes of cultural heritage, technological advancement and national progress. The energy peaked with breathtaking stunts by the joint DareDevils motorcycle team from the CRPF and Sashastra Seema Bal, showcasing balance, courage and teamwork.

The celebrations concluded with a grand aerial fly-past involving 29 aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes and helicopters. Iconic platforms such as Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar flew alongside strategic assets like the C-130, C-295 and the Navy’s P-8I, forming formations named Arjan, Vajraang, Varuna and Vijay, leaving trails of pride across the winter sky.

As the echoes faded over Kartavya Path, the 77th Republic Day parade stood as a resounding statement of India’s unity, resilience and rising power, with the spirit of Sindoor symbolising sacrifice, strength and an unyielding commitment to the nation.