Republic Day 2026 parade highlights: EU participation in celebrations a ‘milestone’, MEA says

Drone Shakti and the Integrated Operation Centre, celebrating the victory during Operation Sindoor, were showcased along Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade.

India's mechanised and special forces capabilities were on full display as India celebrated its 77th Republic Day, highlighting the country's advanced defence technology, battlefield readiness, and commitment to self-reliance.

Republic Day 2026 live updates: Divyastra and Shaktibaan were displayed during the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in Delhi.

Both are fitted with modern niche technologies. Together, they show advanced surveillance through swarm drones, tethered drone systems, and the indigenously developed tactical hybrid UAV ZOLT, which is used to guide artillery fire.

Republic Day 2026 live updates: The marching contingent of the Indian Air Force took part in the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, as the Sindoor Formation flew overhead. The formation included two Rafales, two Sukhoi aircraft, two MiG 29 jets, and one Jaguar fighter aircraft of the IAF.

India's mechanised and special forces capabilities were on full display as India celebrated its 77th Republic Day, showing the country's advanced defence technology, battlefield readiness, and commitment to self-reliance.

Republic Day 2026 live updates: At the 77th Republic Day 2026 parade on Kartavya Path, the Indian Armed Forces displayed a tri-services tableau titled "Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness", reflecting strength, unity, and the protection of national sovereignty through updated defence capabilities.

Operation Sindoor was a military action launched to target terrorist bases in Pakistan. It followed the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, in which 26 people were killed, after which the Indian military carried out strikes on these bases, killing several terrorists.

Republic Day 2026 live updates: Divyastra and Shaktibaan were showcased along Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade.

The Shaktibaan vehicle was led by Lieutenant Raman Mishra of the 161 Medium Regiment, while the Divyastra vehicle was commanded by Subedar Kiran Medar from the same regiment.

Republic Day 2026 celebrations live: The marching contingent of the Indian Navy took part in the #RepublicDay2026 parade at Kartavya Path in Delhi.

For the first time, the Republic Day parade presented a phased 'Battle Array Format' of the Indian Army that included an aerial element. It featured a high-mobility reconnaissance vehicle and India’s first indigenously designed armoured light specialist vehicle.

Republic Day 2026 celebrations live: The NAG missile system and an infantry combat vehicle were displayed on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade.

As the parade began in the national capital, spectators watched an aerial display known as the 'Dhwaj Formation'. Flying in an inverted 'Y' pattern, four Mi-17 1V helicopters from the 129 Helicopter Unit passed overhead, carrying the National Ensign along with the Service Ensigns of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force.

Republic Day 2026 live updates: At Kartavya Path, the Prahar formation featured one Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter carrying the 'Operation Sindoor' flag of the Indian Army, along with the 'Rudra' ALH-WSI of the Indian Army and the ALH Mark IV of the Indian Air Force.

Republic Day Parade live updates: India is marking its 77th Republic Day, the first since Operation Sindoor, as the country gathers to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution and present its cultural and military heritage.

As the parade began, the Operation Sindoor tableau, Apache and Dhruv helicopters, and the Bhishma and Arjun battle tanks became key highlights of the celebrations.

Republic Day Parade live updates: President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag at Kartavya Path in Delhi. The moment was accompanied by a 21-gun salute as the national anthem was played.

India is showcasing its development journey, cultural heritage and military might at the 77th Republic Day Parade, which began this morning. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, are the chief guests at the parade.

Republic Day Parade live updates: Prints of historic paintings by artist Tejendra Kumar Mitra, showing the opening verses of 'Vande Mataram', decorated the enclosure backdrops along Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade here.

Written in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, 'Vande Mataram' became a call for unity during the freedom movement. It was adopted as India’s national song by the Constituent Assembly in 1950.

Republic Day Parade live updates: President Droupadi Murmu has awarded the country’s highest peacetime gallantry medal, Ashoka Chakra, to Indian astronaut and fighter pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who served as pilot for the historic Axiom Mission to the International Space Station (ISS) last year, at the 77th Republic Day parade.

Shukla scripted history by becoming the first Indian to visit the ISS, and the second to travel to space following Squadron Leader (later Wing Commander) Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Sharma was also awarded Ashoka Chakra.

Republic Day Parade live updates: The grand Republic Day parade has begun.

Stay tuned for latest updates here.

Republic Day Parade live updates: Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan has arrived at the venue. The grand parade is expected to begin soon.

PM Modi, along with other dignitaries have proceeded to the saluting dais to continue the Republic Day celebrations.

Republic Day Parade live updates: As the Republic Day celebrations began in the national capital on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the National War Memorial near the historic India Gate by laying a wreath.

He was joined by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Services General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal APS Singh, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.

The wreath-laying marks the start of the Republic Day events and honours personnel who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Republic Day Parade live: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached the War Memorial to pay tributes to the fallen warriors with defence minister Rajnath Singh.

Republic Day Parade live: The Republic Day Parade can be viewed live on Doordarshan on television and on its YouTube handle as well.

Watch the YouTube livestream here.

Republic Day Parade live updates: Large crowds have gathered at Kartavya Path in New Delhi to watch the Republic Day 2026 parade. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other dignitaries are expected to arrive shortly for the event.

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will attend as the Chief Guests on this momentous occasion.

Republic Day 2026 live updates: The celebrations will showcase a mix of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, the country’s development journey, strong defence presence, cultural variety, and wide public participation, according to a press release.

A special set of paintings by Tejendra Kumar Mitra from 1923, which show the verses of 'Vande Mataram' and were published in the 'Bande Mataram Album' (1923), is on display as view-cutters along Kartavya Path.

A total of 30 tableaux, including 17 from states/union territories and 13 from Ministries, Departments, and Services, will move along Kartavya Path under the themes 'Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram' and 'Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Republic Day 2026 live updates: Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi on Monday unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the ceremonial parade during the 77th Republic Day celebrations in Chennai. Chief minister MK Stalin was present and had arrived at the venue earlier in the day, as visuals showed senior officials and dignitaries gathering for the occasion.

During the event, Stalin presented several awards and medals to honour outstanding service across different fields.

Republic Day 2026 live updates: Telangana governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Monday unfurled the national flag during the Republic Day celebrations at the Parade Grounds in Hyderabad.

Telangana Legislative Council Chairman Gutha Sukender Reddy, Assembly Speaker G Prasad Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and several cabinet ministers were present at the event.

77th Republic Day 2026 live updates: The day was celebrated at Durbar Hall of Government House and Irwin Stadium and the president Dr Prasad was welcomed by an excited crowd along the route spanning five miles, according to an article published by the Hindustan Times on January 28, 1950.

With the implementation of the India Constitution on January 26, 1950, India formally became a Sovereign Democratic Republic, marking the beginning of constitutional governance in independent India. Read more here.

77th Republic Day live updates: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi extended greetings as India celebrates its 77th Republic Day today.

In a post on X, Gandhi called the Indian Constitution “the greatest weapon for every Indian” and said that it “is our voice, the protective shield for our rights.”

“Our Republic stands on the strong foundation of this very document, which will be empowered only through equality and harmony. Protecting the Constitution is protecting the Indian Republic - it is a true tribute to the sacrifices of our freedom fighters,” he wrote.

Republic Day 2026 live updates: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has extended greetings on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, celebrated on January 26, 2026. In a post on X, it reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the nation’s skies with honour and courage.

The Indian Air Force will join the Republic Day parade through its ceremonial marching contingent, Air Force band contingent, armed forces veteran tableaux, and the traditional flypast.

Republic Day 2026 live updates: A total of 30 tableaux, including 17 from states and union territories, and 13 from ministries, departments, and services, will move along under the themes 'Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram' and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ at the grand parade today.

The displays will present a blend of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and the country’s growth driven by rising self-reliance across sectors, set against its rich and diverse cultural traditions, a press release said.