Srinagar- India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday with a grand military parade on Kartavya Path, showcasing the country’s defence preparedness, indigenous capabilities and evolving battle doctrine before a domestic and international audience.
President Droupadi Murmu took the salute shortly after arriving at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy, accompanied by the chief guests, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior Union ministers, top military leadership, foreign diplomats and senior officials were present at the ceremonial boulevard.
The overarching theme of this year’s parade was the completion of 150 years of Vande Mataram, reflecting the song’s enduring place in India’s national consciousness. Around 100 artistes opened the celebrations with a cultural performance on the theme Vividata Mein Ekta, presenting a musical ensemble that highlighted the country’s unity and cultural diversity.
The parade was led by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. It marked several firsts, most notably the phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army, which included an integrated aerial component. This new presentation highlighted coordination between ground forces and air assets in modern combat scenarios.
The Battle Array featured a high mobility reconnaissance vehicle and India’s first indigenously designed armoured light specialist vehicle. Providing aerial support were the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed variant Rudra, flying in Prahar formation to demonstrate battlefield shaping capabilities.
The mechanised and combat elements followed, with T-90 Bhisma tanks and the indigenous Arjun main battle tank rolling past the saluting dais. These formations were supported from the air by Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters. Other mechanised columns included the BMP-II infantry combat vehicle and the Nag missile system Mk-2 in its tracked version.
Among the major weapon systems showcased were the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Akash missile system and the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System, underscoring India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence production and operational readiness.
Adding an international dimension to the parade, a military contingent from the European Union also marched on Kartavya Path. Carrying military staff flags along with the flags of Operations Atalanta and Aspides, the EU’s naval missions, the contingent’s participation marked the first time the European Union featured in such a parade outside Europe.
The Republic Day parade concluded with a strong display of synchronisation between land, air and mechanised forces, reflecting India’s focus on integrated warfare capabilities. The event stood as a reaffirmation of the country’s military strength, technological progress and commitment to national security on the 77th anniversary of becoming a republic.
