The 76th Republic Day celebrations in India were marked by a grand display of military might, with a mix of elite marching contingents, indigenous weapon systems, and colourful tableaux on display. The parade, held at the Kartavya Path in the heart of the national capital, featured key moments of pageantry and precision, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto serving as the chief guest.
For the first time, a tri-services tableau graced the parade, symbolising the collaborative spirit of India’s armed forces. The tableau, themed “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat” (Strong and Secure India), highlighted a coordinated battlefield scenario that brought together the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft, and advanced light helicopter were featured, underscoring India’s focus on homegrown defence technology.
President Droupadi Murmu took the salute, arriving in a traditional buggy alongside President Subianto. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and top military officials joined foreign diplomats and citizens in observing the Parade from both sides of Kartavya Path.
A 190-member ensemble band from the Indonesia Contingent, which comprised 152 personnel from all branches of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), participated in the parade at the Kartavya Path.
It is the first time that India has a contingent from Indonesia marching on Republic Day. For Indonesia also, the occasion became the first of its kind as its military band and a military contingent participated in a parade abroad, anywhere.
The first Army contingent leading the mounted column was 61 Cavalry, led by Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar. Raised in 1953, 61 Cavalry is the only serving active horsed cavalry regiment in the world. It was followed by nine mechanised columns and nine marching contingents.
Tank T-90 Bhishma, NAG missile systems, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system, the Agnibaan multi-barrel rocket launcher, the Akash weapon system, the integrated battlefield surveillance system and all-terrain vehicle Chetak were among the key displays by the mechanised columns.
The Army’s marching contingents included the Brigade of the Guards, the Jat Regiment, the Garhwal Rifles, the Mahar Regiment, the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment and the Corps of Signals.
The Indian Navy’s contingent consisted of 144 personnel led by Lieutenant Commander Sahil Ahluwalia as the contingent commander and Lt Commander Indresh Choudhary, Lt Commander Kajal Anil Bharani and Lt Devender as platoon commanders.
