NEW DELHI, Jan 26: India marked its 77th Republic Day with an elaborate parade on Kartavya Path, underscoring the nation’s growing defence capabilities and indigenous military strength. The celebrations featured an impressive array of missiles, armoured platforms, newly raised units and elite marching contingents.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended the ceremony as chief guests, reflecting India’s expanding strategic engagement with Europe.
The event’s central theme commemorated 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, symbolising patriotism and national unity. President Droupadi Murmu took the salute after arriving at Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy, accompanied by the visiting dignitaries and the President’s Bodyguards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior Cabinet members, top military leadership, foreign diplomats and senior officials were present at the ceremony.
The parade opened with a cultural presentation titled ‘Vividata Mein Ekta’, in which around 100 performers showcased India’s diversity through music and traditional instruments.
Led by Parade Commander Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, the march past introduced, for the first time, a phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army, integrating ground forces with aerial assets. Highlights included a high-mobility reconnaissance vehicle and the country’s first indigenously designed armoured light specialist vehicle.
Aerial elements featured the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed variant Rudra flying in Prahar formation, demonstrating battlefield support capabilities. Heavy combat platforms such as T-90 Bhisma and Arjun main battle tanks followed, supported by Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters.
Mechanised units on display included the BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle and the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-2.
In a historic first, a European Union military contingent participated in the parade, carrying flags of EU naval missions Operation Atalanta and Operation Aspides, marking the bloc’s inaugural appearance in a military parade outside Europe.
Among the advanced weapon systems showcased were the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System, BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and Akash air defence missile system, highlighting India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing.