Military hardware and EU contingent feature at India’s 77th Republic Day parade

India marked its 77th Republic Day on Monday with a ceremonial parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, featuring displays of military capabilities, newly raised units, marching contingents and indigenous weapon systems.

President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attended the celebrations as chief guests.

The theme of this year’s Republic Day parade was 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.

The parade began shortly after President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy, accompanied by Costa and von der Leyen, and flanked by the President’s Bodyguard. President Murmu then took the salute.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union ministers, senior military officers, foreign diplomats and officials were present at the event.

From the high deserts and icy heights of Ladakh to the skies above the nation, India’s Republic Day celebrations honor the unsung heroes of the frontlines

The Bactrian Camels of Galwan and Nubra carry loads up to 200 kg at altitudes above 15,000 ft, providing vital logistics and… pic.twitter.com/Z7Rq9dOuoj

— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2026

The opening segment of the parade featured around 100 artistes performing on the theme ‘Vividata Mein Ekta’, using a range of musical instruments to highlight India’s cultural diversity and unity.

The parade was led by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. He is a second-generation officer.

For the first time, the Indian Army presented a phased ‘Battle Array Format’ that included an aerial component. The display featured a high mobility reconnaissance vehicle and India’s first indigenously designed armoured light specialist vehicle.

From the high deserts and icy heights of Ladakh to the skies above the nation, India’s Republic Day celebrations honor the unsung heroes of the frontlines

The Bactrian Camels of Galwan and Nubra carry loads up to 200 kg at altitudes above 15,000 ft, providing vital logistics and… pic.twitter.com/Z7Rq9dOuoj

— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2026

Aerial support was provided by the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed variant, Rudra, flying in Prahar formation.

This was followed by combat elements including T-90 Bhisma tanks and the Arjun main battle tank, accompanied by Apache AH-64E attack helicopters and Prachand light combat helicopters.

Other mechanised columns included the BMP-II infantry combat vehicle and the Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-2.

A military contingent from the European Union also took part in the parade, carrying military staff flags and the flags of Operations Atalanta and Aspides, the EU’s naval operations. This marked the European Union’s first participation in such an event outside Europe.

Among the major weapon systems displayed were the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and the Akash missile system.