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President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attended the celebrations as chief guests, highlighting a significant diplomatic engagement alongside the ceremonial and military grandeur.
The parade reflected India’s strategic autonomy, with defence platforms of both indigenous origin and diverse global sourcing, including Russian and American systems.
Although the central theme of this year’s celebrations was 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, Operation Sindoor featured prominently in the parade. President Droupadi Murmu took the salute after arriving at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy, accompanied by the visiting dignitaries and the President’s Bodyguards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior ministers, top military leadership, diplomats, and officials were present at the ceremony.
Prime Minister Modi later stated that the parade reflected India’s strong security framework, technological advancement, and unwavering resolve to protect its citizens. Among the major weapon systems on display were the BrahMos supersonic missile, Akash air defence system, Suryastra universal rocket launcher, Arjun main battle tank, Dhanush artillery guns, and the Divyastra battery.
Ahead of the parade, President Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, recognising his historic achievement as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. The cultural segment of the parade opened with around 100 artistes performing on the theme ‘Vividata Mein Ekta’, presenting a vibrant musical display symbolising India’s unity in diversity.
The parade was commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding Delhi Area. A tri-services tableau depicting Operation Sindoor attracted widespread attention, including a glass-encased integrated operations centre illustrating the use of BrahMos, Akash, and S-400 missile systems during the conflict in early May.
For the first time, the Indian Army presented a phased Battle Array Format, featuring reconnaissance units, mechanised columns, aerial components, and advanced combat support systems. Indigenous helicopters such as the Dhruv and Rudra, main battle tanks including T-90 Bhisma and Arjun, Apache and Prachand helicopters, infantry combat vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, robotic systems, and new-generation unmanned weapon platforms were showcased.
The newly raised Bhairav battalion, designed as a specialised assault infantry unit, also made its debut appearance. The Indian Navy contingent and tableau highlighted the theme ‘Strong Navy for a Strong Nation’, depicting ancient maritime heritage alongside modern indigenous platforms like INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri. The Air Force contingent marched in synchronisation with an aerial fly-past featuring Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30, and Jaguar aircraft in the symbolic ‘Sindoor Formation’.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation showcased the hypersonic glide missile LR-AShM, underlining India’s advances in cutting-edge defence technology. The parade concluded with an elaborate fly-past involving 29 aircraft and a thrilling motorcycle display by joint teams from the CRPF and SSB.
Around 10,000 special guests from across the country attended the celebrations. This year, the parade enclosures were named after major Indian rivers, symbolising the geographical and cultural flow that binds the nation together.
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]]>Lieutenant Amit Choudhary, a second generation Army officer from the Arunachal Scouts, will lead a mixed Scouts contingent on Kartavya Path. His participation carries special meaning as his father had marched in the Republic Day Parade in 1990 as part of the Brigade of the Guards. The young officer said he had grown up watching the parade on television and rehearsing the march at home, making this moment both emotional and fulfilling.
During the full dress rehearsal held amid rainfall, Lieutenant Choudhary and his contingent appeared in specialised high altitude gear, including layered uniforms, boots and polarised sunglasses designed for harsh terrain. He shared his experience along with other contingent leaders during a media interaction near India Gate.
Senior Army officials confirmed that a special Army tableau themed on the Integrated Operation Centre will be showcased this year. The display will commemorate Operation Sindoor and highlight India’s strategic planning process and indigenous defence capabilities. Along with the mixed Scouts contingent, five additional marching units from the Rajput Regiment, Assam Regiment, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Regiment of Artillery and Bhairav Battalion will take part in the parade.
A wide range of defence equipment will also be on display, including the BrahMos missile, Akash air defence system, Medium Range Surface to Air Missile system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, Dhanush artillery gun, Divyastra Battery, Shaktiban Regiment, Universal Rocket Launcher System Suryastra, unmanned ground vehicles and drones mounted on multiple platforms.
For the first time, the mounted 61 Cavalry will appear in combat gear instead of ceremonial uniform. Indigenous platforms and Army personnel will move along Kartavya Path in a phased battle array formation, demonstrating operational readiness.
Captain Samira Z Buttar, who will lead the Integrated Operation Centre contingent, represents four generations of Army service in her family. She said the honour of marching on Kartavya Path fills her with pride and humility. Her grandfather, Brig Sampuran Singh, fought in the 1965 war and received both the Maha Vir Chakra and the Vir Chakra. She added that the Integrated Operation Centre tableau will feature unique elements that will surprise spectators.
The iconic 61 Cavalry contingent will be led by Captain Ahaan Kumar, mounted on his horse Ranveer. The grandson of a war veteran and son of Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, the General Officer Commanding Delhi Area and Parade Commander, Captain Kumar said appearing in battle gear instead of ceremonial dress makes this year’s parade a new experience despite leading the same unit in 2025.
In total, 18 marching contingents and 13 military bands will participate in the parade, which will last around 90 minutes. An animal contingent featuring Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, raptors and Army dogs will also be part of the display.
Captain Harshita Raghav, who will command the Remount Veterinary Corps contingent, described animals as silent warriors of the Army. She emphasised their role as force multipliers and said operational preparedness and understanding their role in missions are crucial. A native of Bhopal, she is among the first batch of women officers in the RVC and her father served in the Indian Air Force.
Captain Vikas Yadav, a third generation Army officer serving with the 4th Battalion of 1 Gurkha Rifles, will lead a contingent showcasing unmanned ground vehicles. He explained that these systems are used for surveillance, logistics and high risk missions such as bunker busting, where deploying human or animal combatants could be dangerous.
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