India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with another rendition of the parade in New Delhi, as has been the tradition since this day was first observed in 1950 to mark adoption of the Constitution.
This year’s theme for the Republic Day celebration was “150 years of Vande Mataram”.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa were chief guests for the Kartavya Path parade, which was attended by nearly 10,000 special invitees.
Republic Day Parade 2026 | Highlights
12.20 pm: Parade concludes
This year’s Republic Day parade concluded with the national anthem. Chief guests von der Leyen and Costa departed from Kartavya Path as they arrived — in a horse-driven carriage with President Murmu.
12.10 pm: And we’re at the grand finale
The parade concludes with flypast by:
– Indian Air Force’s C-130J, flanked by two other aircraft, in ‘Arjan’ formation, at 350kmph
– Navy’s P-8i aircraft flanked by two Sukhoi 30 in ‘Vic’ formation
– Vajraang formation of six Rafale jets
– A single Rafale flew at the speed of 900 km/hour in Vijay formation
#WATCH | Visuals of the Vajraang formation during the 77th #RepublicDay Parade at Kartavya Path, Delhi.
The formation features 6 Rafale aircraft flying in ‘Vajraang’ formation.
LIVE:https://t.co/d0L8j76vai@IAF_MCC #RepublicDayOnDD #RepublicDay2026 #गणतंत्रदिवस_डीडी pic.twitter.com/bOjuOxHzx0
— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 26, 2026
Republic Day Parade 2026: Celebrations began after PM Modi laid a wreath at National War Memorial and President Murmu unfurled the Tricolour
12.05 pm: CRPF women enthral spectators
42 CRPF women ride Bullet bikes in a spectacular pyramid formation.
12.02 pm: Another tribute to Vande Mataram
The Ministry of Culture tableau depicts the theme “Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation.”
Far more than a song, it is a powerful expression that once echoed on the lips of revolutionaries and resonated in the hearts of every Indian, description of the tableau reads.
#WATCH | The Ministry of Culture tableau depicts the theme “Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation.” Far more than a song, it is a powerful expression that once echoed on the lips of revolutionaries and resonated in the hearts of every Indian.
LIVE:https://t.co/d0L8j76vai… pic.twitter.com/gfv98AIWfL
— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 26, 2026
12 pm: India, in all its glory
11.50 am: What the state tableaux meant
Uttar Pradesh: Dedicated to grandeur of Bundelkhand, blending its ancient cultural legacy with the dynamic and fast-progressing vision of the state.
Punjab: Dedicated to the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, commemorating the 350th year of his martyrdom and paying a solemn tribute to the Guru, revered as the protector of human conscience, faith and freedom.
#WATCH |The Uttar Pradesh tableau showcases the timeless grandeur of Bundelkhand, blending its rich cultural legacy with the fast-progressing vision of a modern Uttar Pradesh
The front section features the Ekamukha Linga, a renowned rock-cut sculpture from Kalinjar, symbolising… pic.twitter.com/2FuWASxFyL
— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 26, 2026
Chhattisgarh: Showcased India’s first digital museum set up in the state to honour the legacy of tribal heroes who participated in India’s freedom struggle and sacrificed their lives for Independence. At the front of the tableau stood Veer Gundadhur, the legendary leader of the Dhurwa community and the face of the 1910 Bhumkal Rebellion. Bhumkal, which means collective assembly against injustice, symbolised mass tribal unity. The tableau depicted the rebellion’s symbols — a twig of mango leaves and dried red chilies.
Kerala: Highlighted two landmark achievements of the state — India’s first Water Metro and the attainment of 100 per cent digital literacy. Set against a rural landscape, it featured a woman portrayed as the brand ambassador for digital literacy, symbolising grassroots digital empowerment.
Himachal Pradesh: The tableau paid tribute to its brave sons and daughters, centred on the idea that the state, revered as the ‘Dev Bhoomi’ or the land of the Gods, is equally ‘Veer Bhoomi’, or the land of the brave. The state has contributed 1,203 gallantry award winners to the nation, including four Param Vir Chakras, two Ashok Chakras, and 10 Maha Vir Chakras.
#WATCH | The Assam tableau, themed “Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” celebrates Asharikandi village in Dhubri district, India’s largest and most renowned cluster of traditional Assamese terracotta artisans, at the #RepublicDay2026.
LIVE: https://t.co/VXWMOdOwEr#RepublicDayOnDD… pic.twitter.com/LA79bQiLwg
— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 26, 2026
Maharashtra: In a blend of modernity and tradition, the tableau showcased the Ganesh festival as a symbol of self-reliance. Dressed in traditional attire, a troupe of women dancers performed ‘Lezim’, a folk dance, on either side of the tableau. The community celebration of the Ganesh festival was started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893 to send a message of unity and self-reliance by mobilising the people against British rule.
West Bengal: The state’s tableau depicting Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and his landmark composition ‘Vande Mataram’ at the front of the float, in line with the 77th Republic Day parade’s overarching theme celebrating 150 years of the national song. It also portrayed Rabindranath Tagore, and Khudiram Bose facing the gallows, marking India’s freedom movement. The chosen subject for the tableau was ‘Bengal in the Freedom Movement of India’.
(Credit: PTI)
11.35 am: Meanwhile, in France…
What a wonderful memory of the #RepublicDay we shared together in 2024! 🇮🇳🇫🇷
My dear friend @NarendraModi, dear Indian friends, my very best wishes on this great day of celebration. See you in February to continue building together! pic.twitter.com/qQrfonVLqo
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 26, 2026
11.20 am: Tableaux start rolling in
After BSF and NCC contingents, tableaux of different central government ministries have started rolling past the saluting dais. These will be followed by tableaux by states.
The Union Home Ministry tableaux represents enactment of the new criminal laws, which replaced the colonial-era ones.
After UP, Nagaland, Punjab and Kerala, the tableau for the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) showcased rescue efforts undertaken after the Bhuj earthquake. It also featured a canine rescuer, a white labarador — on seeing whom von der Leyen appears to smile.
The theme underscored disaster risk reduction as a national priority for protecting lives and safeguarding development. The devastation caused by the Bhuj earthquake marked a turning point, transforming disaster response from reactive relief to a proactive, institutionalised framework.
11.05 am: Air force contingent wows crowd
Group caption Raghuvanshi leads the Indian Air Force contingent as fighter aircraft fly by in Sindoor Formation comprising two Rafale, two Sukhoi and two MiG 29 and a Jaguar.
11 am: Elite infantry units march past
In close succession at the parade – contingents of mixed scouts — India’s elite infantry units specialising in high-altitude terrains, from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh — followed by Rajputs.
In the middle were Bactrian camels, raptors and Indian founds.
10.50 am: India’s finest weapons on display
Suryastra weapons system, is followed by the Brahmos, and the indigenously developed Akash system and the Drone Shakti.
On the sidelines, the Prime Minister is seen talking to von der Leyen. If one was to take a guess, he is touting the many abilities of India’s military weapons.
#WATCH | The SURYASTRA Universal Rocket Launcher System, led by Lt. Mehak Bhati of the 40 Field Regiment, approaches the saluting dais.
Following it, the BRAHMOS Weapon System, led by Capt. Animesh Rohila of the 344 Missile Regiment, rolls along Kartavya Path, showcasing… pic.twitter.com/ZMQon4aAhc
— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 26, 2026
The High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle (HMRV), India’s first indigenously designed Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle, is showcased at Kartavya Path. It is developed by Mahindra Defence Systems and commissioned in 2023. It is equipped with surveillance radars capable of detecting men, vehicles, and low-flying helicopters, along with drones to cover radar blind zones, advanced communications, and anti-drone guns.
10.40 am: Parade kicks off with a helicopter flypast
A four-chopper formation of Mi-17, from the Indian Air Force’s 129 Helicopter Unit, fly in the Dhwaj formation and shower flower petals over Kartavya Path. The formation was led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat.
Soon after, an EU contingent and the 61st cavalry contingent cross the saluting dais. They are followed by a crowd favourite — a flypast by two Apache choppers and three ALH.
Meanwhile, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen tweets, “It is the honour of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure.”
It is the honor of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations.
A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure.
And we all benefit ↓ https://t.co/boeqFGv15Q
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 26, 2026
10.35 am: President honours Shubhanshu Shukla
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to the International Space Station (ISS), is honoured with Ashoka Chakra — India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
On the eve of Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu had approved gallantry awards to 69 other Armed Forces personnel, including six who would receive the honour posthumously.
10.30 am: PM greets chief guests
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa at the saluting dais on Kartavya Path.
The European leaders’ visit comes at a time when India and the European Union (EU) are set to announce the conclusion of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), sign a security and defence partnership, as well as launch negotiations for an information-sharing agreement.
Touted as the “mother of all deals” by von der Leyen, the FTA with India is expected as Brussels continues to grapple with geopolitical challenges emanating from the US and China. To know more, read ThePrint report
10.22 am: Prez, chief guests on way to Kartavya Path
The President’s bodyguard will escort President Murmu and the chief guests to Kartavya Path in the horse-drawn carriage.
President #DroupadiMurmu, along with President of the European Council, António Luís Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, arrives at the saluting dais at Kartavya Path in Delhi to witness the parade
Prime Minister @narendramodi… pic.twitter.com/2oS4ZBS770
— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 26, 2026
Separately, Prime Minister Modi has arrived at Kartavya Path and is greeting parade spectators.
10.20 am: President flanked by chief guests at Rashtrapati Bhavan
At Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu, the commander of Indian armed forces, is accompanied by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa — chief guests of the 77th Republic Day parade.
10.15 am: PM departs from war memorial
After paying tribute to martyrs, the Prime Minister heads towards Kartavya Path. He is seen off by the Defence Minister.
#WATCH | PM @narendramodi pays tribute at the National War Memorial, honoring the courage and sacrifice of India’s fallen soldiers.
LIVE: https://t.co/d0L8j76vai#PMModi #NationalWarMemorial #RepublicDayOnDD #RepublicDay2026 #गणतंत्रदिवस_डीडी pic.twitter.com/lGfMOQITQM
— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 26, 2026
10 am: PM at National War Memorial
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the National War Memorial, along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff, and the three service chiefs. The PM will lay a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti and pay their respects to the fallen soldiers, following which a minute of silence will be observed.
The parade is expected to begin by 10.30 am.
9.35 am: In R-Day wish, Rahul Gandhi hails Indian Constitution
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi posted on X, greeting the country on Republic Day. “The Constitution is India’s biggest weapon — it is our voice that safeguards our rights,” he writes.
सभी देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।
हमारा संविधान हर भारतीय का सबसे बड़ा हथियार है – यही हमारी आवाज़ है, हमारे अधिकारों का सुरक्षा-कवच।
इसी की मज़बूत नींव पर हमारा गणतंत्र खड़ा है जो समानता और सौहार्द से ही सशक्त होगा।
संविधान की रक्षा ही, भारतीय गणतंत्र की… pic.twitter.com/rrkVJlEkRG
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 26, 2026
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said, “On the occasion of Republic Day, I extend greetings to all citizens of the country. Republic Day is the day of resolve, determination and abiding by the decorum of the Constitution and taking the country forward. 77 years ago, we adopted the Constitution of India. It is the longest written Constitution in the world. It is the living guide for the people of India. This is an occasion for us to take a pledge that together, we should make India Viksit Bharat by 2047, when we complete 100 years of independence.”
9.30 am: von der Leyen ‘glad to be in India’
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, ahead of the parade, posted on X, she was “glad to be in India”. Here’s the full tweet:
“I’m so glad to be in India today.
India and Europe have made a clear choice.
The choice of strategic partnership, dialogue and openness.
Leveraging our complementary strengths.
And building mutual resilience.
We are showing a fractured world that another way is possible.”
9.10 am: Greetings pour in
While state governors and chief ministers unfurl the Tricolour to celebrate the 77th Republic Day, greetings are pouring in from across the world.
Warm greetings to the people of India as they come together to celebrate 77th #RepublicDay!
After being honoured as Chief Guest in 2024, France is delighted by the presence of EU leaders as Chief Guests this year, as we work towards a shared future of peace and prosperity.🇮🇳🇫🇷🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/EKC5nj7ZC7
— French Embassy in India 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceinIndia) January 25, 2026
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of #Iran in #India extends its sincere congratulations to the Government and the friendly people of India on the occasion of the 77th #RepublicDay.
The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms the historic and friendly relations between the two… pic.twitter.com/LqrO7TashP— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) January 25, 2026
Also Read: Zanskar ponies to combat scene enactment, this will be a Republic Day of many firsts
8.45 am: US, China greet India on Republic Day
Amid terse ties between India and US, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has extended greetings to India on Republic Day.
“Happy Republic Day, India! The U.S. joins the people of India celebrating your country’s adoption of the Constitution and we look forward to seeing what the world’s two largest and vibrant democracies will achieve together in the year ahead,” a statement issued by Rubio said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also wished President Droupadi Murmu congratulations on Republic Day, saying the two countries were “good neighbours, friends and partners”, the official Xinhua news agency reported Monday.
8.30 am: What’s new at the R-Day parade this year?
For the first time, the parade will feature a live battle array formation, depicting an integrated, offensive combat grouping of the Indian Army. The formation will showcase the Army’s readiness, resilience and responsiveness, reflecting modern warfare driven by intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and network-centric operations.
Several formations and equipment platforms will make their first public appearance, including newly raised units such as Shaktibaan Artillery Regiments, specialised in drone and loitering munition warfare; Divyastra Batteries, hybrid units integrating conventional artillery with precision drones; and Bhairav Light Commando Battalions, agile formations designed for specialised, rapid-strike and high-risk operations.
Read ThePrint report by Vaibhav Pant
8.10 am: PM Modi wishes country
Best wishes on Republic Day.
May this occasion add renewed energy and enthusiasm in our collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2026
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also posts on X, “Happy Republic Day! Today, we reaffirm our faith in the Constitution that defines our democracy, unity and national character. We honour the visionaries who shaped our Republic and salute the brave sons and daughters who protect it with courage and sacrifice. Let us move forward with collective resolve to build a strong, self-reliant and progressive India. Jai Hind!”
Meanwhile, preparations have begun for the parade at Kartavya Path:
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi takes the salute of the 77th Republic Day parade in Chennai
CM MK Stalin is also present #RepublicDayCelebration🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/ytxwrdwGGZ
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026
07.30 am: Parade to begin in two hours
The Republic Day parade will officially commence at 09.30 am after Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays a wreath at the National War Memorial and President Droupadi Murmu unfurls the National Flag.
Also Read: Among 2026 Padma awards recipients, Alka Yagnik, Rohit Sharma & Shibu Soren