The 77th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026, will feature a diverse group of contingent commanders, each with unique backgrounds and inspiring stories. Among them are officers carrying forward legacies of valor and service to the nation.
Lieutenant Karan Nagyal will command the Indian Navy marching contingent at the Republic Day Parade 2026. This is a moment of immense pride for him, as he follows in the footsteps of his father, a serving Brigadier who led a platoon of the Gorkha Regiment in the 2001 Republic Day Parade. Belonging to a fourth-generation armed forces family from Jammu and Kashmir, Lt. Nagyal currently serves on INS Beas, a frontline Navy warship. His leadership of the 144 sailors, representing over 20 states, embodies the Navy's commitment to unity and national initiatives. Platoon commanders include Lt Pawan Kumar Gandi, Lt Priti Kumari and Lt Varun Dreveriya.
Captain Ahaan Kumar, a third-generation officer, will lead the 61 Cavalry, continuing a family tradition. His father, Lt. General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, will be the Parade Commander. The 26-year-old also led the same contingent in the 2025 parade.
Adding to the parade's unique elements, Captain Harshita Raghav will command the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent. This contingent will showcase "animal soldiers," including Bactrian camels from Ladakh and Zanskar ponies. These animals play vital operational roles, with the camels capable of carrying heavy loads in extreme conditions. Captain Harshita is the daughter of a retired IAF officer and is from the first batch of the Indian Army's Remount & Veterinary Corps.
Assistant Commandant Simran Bala of the CRPF will make history as the first woman officer to lead an all-male contingent in the parade. Captain Samira, a fourth-generation army officer, will command an Army tableau highlighting the success of Op Sindoor, showcasing indigenously developed military assets.
The parade will also feature a mixed Scouts contingent, comprising troops from the Arunachal Scouts, Ladakh Scouts, Sikkim Scouts, Garhwal Scouts, Kumaon Scouts and Dogra Scouts. This contingent is commanded by Lt Amit Chaudhary.
The Republic Day Parade will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, will be the chief guests at the parade. A small EU contingent, led by an officer of colonel rank, will also participate. The theme of this year's parade is 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'.
The parade will showcase India's military strength and technological advancements, including the S-400 air defense system and naval technologies for combat submarines. The IAF flypast will include a formation named “Operation Sindoor,” featuring Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, and MiG-29 combat jets.
These commanders and their contingents represent the rich heritage, diverse culture, and unwavering commitment of India's armed forces. Their participation in the Republic Day parade serves as an inspiration to the nation, embodying the values of discipline, unity, and pride.
