India's 77th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026, is set to be a dynamic and memorable event at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The parade will showcase a blend of military strength, cultural diversity, and indigenous innovation, with several first-time appearances and displays. The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will lead the celebrations, with the President of the European Council, Mr. Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, as the Chief Guests.
The ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paying tribute to fallen heroes at the National War Memorial. The parade will then begin at 10:30 AM and last for approximately 90 minutes.
One of the major highlights of this year's parade is the debut of the Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) 'Suryastra'. This indigenous deep-strike rocket system has the capability to engage surface-to-surface targets up to 300 kilometers away. The inclusion of Suryastra highlights India's increasing focus on long-range precision strike capabilities and self-reliance in defense production. Lieutenant Mehak Bhati, an officer with the Regiment of Artillery, will command the Suryastra MLRS contingent.
Another notable first is the participation of the newly raised Shaktiban Regiment from the artillery. This regiment represents the future of modern warfare, equipped with drones, counter-drone systems, and loitering munitions. The Shaktiban Regiment's debut underscores India's growing emphasis on unmanned and network-centric warfare technologies.
The parade will also feature the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion for the first time. This unit, raised to bridge the operational gap between regular infantry and special forces, is designed for high-mobility, rapid-response missions in challenging terrains. The battalion had previously made its public debut during the Army Day Parade in Jaipur.
In a unique and symbolic addition, an animal contingent will be included in the parade. The contingent will feature Zanskar ponies suited for high-altitude terrain, Bactrian camels known for desert operations, raptors (birds of prey), and Indian Army dogs. These animals are considered force multipliers, especially in difficult terrains where vehicles cannot operate efficiently. Captain Harshita Raghav will lead the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent.
The 61 Cavalry Regiment, traditionally known for their ceremonial uniforms, will appear in combat battle gear for the first time. This shift symbolizes the Army's evolving focus on operational readiness while maintaining tradition. The Army will showcase a "phased battle array formation" for the first time, moving units and equipment in a sequence similar to real battlefield deployment.
The parade will showcase some of India's most powerful and modern defense platforms, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Akash surface-to-air missile system, MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) system, ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System), and Dhanush artillery gun. A static display of various military drones will also be part of the parade.
The Indian Air Force flypast will be conducted in two phases and will feature 29 aircraft, including Rafale fighter jets, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, P-8I maritime aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Mi-17 helicopters, and C-130 and C-295 transport aircraft.
To enhance the Republic Day experience, a comprehensive mobile App and Rashtraparv Portal have been developed to provide citizens with access to information related to the celebrations, including booking tickets and locating seating and parking arrangements. A 'Bharat Parv' will be organized at the Red Fort from January 26 to 31, showcasing Republic Day Tableaux, regional cuisine, handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural performances. Free Park & Ride and Metro facilities will be provided to the public to witness the parade. Metro services will begin at 3 AM on January 26, and guests and ticket holders can avail of the metro facility free of cost by showing their invitation or ticket.
