India marks 77th Republic Day with grand parade highlighting cultural diversity, and Op Sindoor
Mangalore Today News Network
New Delhi, January 26, 2026: India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday with a grand parade showcasing the nation’s cultural diversity, economic progress, and military strength, including missiles, warplanes, newly raised units, and weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor.
The celebrations were graced by President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen as chief guests, marking a significant diplomatic moment alongside the military display.
While the overarching theme highlighted 150 years of Vande Mataram, Operation Sindoor also featured prominently in the parade along Kartavya Path, the capital’s ceremonial boulevard.
The event began with President Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by Costa and von der Leyen, arriving in a traditional buggy. She took the salute as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Ministers, senior military officials, and foreign diplomats looked on.
Military Display
Key weapon systems on display included BrahMos and Akash missiles, the Suryastra rocket launcher, the Arjun Main Battle Tank, and a range of indigenously developed military platforms.
The parade commenced with 100 performers presenting the theme Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity), showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage through music and instruments. Parade Commander Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, a second-generation officer and General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, led the march.
Tri-Services Tableau
A tri-services tableau highlighted major weapons used during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, including a glass-cased operational centre depicting the deployment of BrahMos and S-400 missiles. For the first time, the parade featured a phased ‘Battle Array Format’ of the Indian Army, with the 61 Cavalry in reconnaissance roles, followed by high-mobility vehicles, Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters, Rudra helicopters, T-90 Bhisma, and Arjun tanks. Mechanized units included BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicles and the Nag Mk-2 missile system.
A European Union military contingent participated for the first time outside Europe, carrying the EU military staff flag along with flags from naval operations Atalanta and Aspides.
Naval and Air Forces
The Indian Navy contingent comprised 144 personnel under Lt Karan Nagyal, accompanied by cadets from the Sea Cadets Corps. Their tableau highlighted the theme Strong Navy for a Strong Nation, featuring vessels from the Maratha Navy, the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, INS Udayagiri, and the circumnavigation route of INSV Tarini from the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition.
The Indian Air Force contingent included 144 airmen and four officers. A fly-past by Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30, and Jaguar aircraft in the ’Spearhead’ formation symbolized the ’Sindoor Formation’.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased the LR-AShM hypersonic glide missile, capable of engaging static and moving targets with indigenous avionics and high-accuracy sensors.
Tableaux and Cultural Display
A total of 30 tableaux — 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries and departments — celebrated 150 years of Vande Mataram alongside India’s rapid development. A joint ‘DareDevils’ motorcycle team from the CRPF and Sashastra Seema Bal thrilled spectators with daring stunts.
The aerial fly-past featured 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft, and nine helicopters, highlighting formations named Arjan, Vajraang, Varuna, and Vijay, with participation from the Indian Navy’s P-8i aircraft.