President Leads 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path

President Presides Over Republic Day Ceremony

India marked its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with a full ceremonial parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu led the national event, which combined military displays, cultural presentations and official tableaux under heightened security.

The celebrations this year were anchored around the 150th year of Vande Mataram and highlighted military operations conducted in the previous year under Operation Sindoor.

Foreign Dignitaries and National Leadership Attend

President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attended as chief guests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the dignitaries at the podium after their arrival in traditional horse-drawn buggies.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Cabinet members, senior military officers, foreign diplomats and top government officials were present for the ceremony.

Ashoka Chakra Conferred at Parade Opening

The event began with President Murmu conferring the Ashoka Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. The award recognised his role as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station in June 2024.

More than 100 artistes followed with a coordinated cultural performance based on the theme Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity), using traditional instruments from different regions of the country.

Military Display Highlights Operation Sindoor

The parade was led by Lieutenant-General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. A tri-services tableau showcased replicas of major weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

Displayed equipment included BrahMos missiles, Akash missile systems, S-400 systems, the Suryastra rocket launcher, Main Battle Tank Arjun, Dhanush artillery guns and the Divyastra battery. The Indian Air Force flypast featured Rafale, Sukhoi, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft in a Sindoor formation.

The Bhairav Battalion, a newly raised specialised assault infantry unit, made its parade debut.

Tableaux Reflect Governance and Heritage

Thirty tableaux participated, representing States, Union Territories and Central Ministries. Kerala highlighted its Water Metro project and digital literacy initiatives, while Chhattisgarh paid tribute to tribal freedom fighters. Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat showcased cultural heritage linked to the freedom movement.

The Ministry of Home Affairs presented the new criminal laws implemented from July 1, 2024. The Culture Ministry marked 150 years of Vande Mataram, while the School Education Department focused on reforms under the National Education Policy 2020.

Further background on the national ceremonies is available in this earlier coverage of India’s Republic Day celebrations.

Public Participation and Arrangements

More than 10,000 guests attended the parade. Viewing enclosures were named after major rivers from across the country, reflecting geographic diversity and national unity.

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