NewsGate Press Network

The first Republic Day Parade (RD Parade) after Operation Sindoor was held to the maximum enthral of the audience at the Kartavya Path in presence top leadership from the European Union as chief guests.

The 77th RD Parade displayed many new weaponry that was used during the Sindoor against Pakistan.

President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen were this year’s chief guests.

Antonio Costa has a Goa connection.

This year central theme of 2026 RD Parade was 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. However, the spotlight at the parade was on the events relating to military operations against the Pakistan during operation Sindoor.

The parade commenced with the President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute shortly after she, Costa and von der Leyen, flanked by the Indian president’s bodyguards, arrived at the Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy.

During the live telecast Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen on number of occasions in thoughtful conversations with the chief guests explaining small nuisances and details about the events unfolding at the Parade.

The major weapon systems displayed during this year’s RD Parade included among others BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, rocket launcher ‘Suryastra’,  Main Battle Tank Arjun and an array of indigenously-built military platforms and hardware.

At the start of the Parade about 100 artistes presented a musical assembly on  theme ‘Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity)  signifying the nation’s unity and rich cultural diversity.

This year the Parade Commander was Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (G O C-in-C), Delhi Area.

A tri-services tableau showcasing replicas of major weapon systems deployed by the Indian military during Operation Sindoor in early May was a major attraction.

A glass-cased integrated operational centre, depicting the conduct of Operation Sindoor with the use of weapons systems such as BrahMos and S-400 missiles rolled down Kartavya Path.

For the first time, the parade showcased a phased ‘Battle Array Format’ of the Indian Army, including its aerial component. The recce element consisted of the 61 Cavalry in active combat uniform.

It was followed by a high mobility reconnaissance vehicle. Providing aerial support was the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed version, Rudra, in Prahar formation, demonstrating battlefield shaping.

The combat elements then followed with T-90 Bhisma and Main Battle Tank Arjun rolling past the saluting dais with aerial support from Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters.

Other mechanised columns included BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle, along with Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-2.

A military contingent from the EU, carrying the military staff flag and flags of Operations Atalanta and Aspides, the naval operations of the grouping, also featured at the parade.  It was the EU’s first participation in such an event outside of Europe.

The Indian Navy contingent comprised 144 young personnel, led by Lt Karan Nagyal as contingent commander, and Lt Pawan Kumar Gandi, Lt Priti Kumari and Lt Varun Dreveriya as platoon commanders.

It was followed by the Naval tableau that presented a vivid depiction of the theme  ‘Strong Navy for a Strong Nation’. It depicted a stitched ship from the fifth century CE, now christened INSV Kaundinya, Gurab-class ships of the Maratha Navy, and frontline indigenous platforms, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri.

The tableau featured a depiction of the circumnavigation route followed by INSV Tarini as part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition.

In addition to naval personnel, young cadets from the Sea Cadets Corps, a non-governmental organisation that imparts basic nautical skills to youth in Mumbai, marched alongside the tableau.

The Indian Air Force contingent comprised four officers and 144 airmen. The contingent commander was Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar with Squadron Leader Nikita Choudhery, Flt Lt Prakhar Chandrakar and Flt Lt Dinesh as supernumerary officers.

Syncing with the marching contingent was a thrilling fly-past by two Rafale jets, two MiG-29s, two Su-30s and one Jaguar aircraft in ‘Spearhead’ formation, symbolising the “Sindoor Formation”.

A total of 30 tableaux — 17 of states and Union Territories and 13 of various ministries and departments rolled down the Kartavya Path. The tableaux showcased a unique mix of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and the nation’s rapid progress.

A joint ‘DareDevils’ team of motorcycle riders drawn from the Central Reserve Police Force and the Sashastra Seema Bal enthralled the audience with their maneuvers.

The aerial fly-past, one of the most eagerly-awaited events of the parade, witnessed the participation of a total of 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters.

These include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft, complemented by strategic assets – C-130 and C-295, as well as the Indian Navy’s P-8i aircraft. The formations include Arjan, Vajraang, Varuna and Vijay.