EU Chief Guests, Silk Route Legacy, Military Might: Here’s What To Watch At R-Day Parade Today

New Delhi: As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day today (Jan 26, 2026), President Draupadi Murmu will preside over the parade in Delhi’s Kartavya Path. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are the chief guests for the celebration. The day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, and is observed with national pride across the country. The parade will start around 10.30am.

Early Morning Ceremony: Flag Hoisting & Greetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation as celebrations began in the morning. The national flag was unfurled at Kartavya Path, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute, as per tradition.

PM Modi also paid homage to the nation’s fallen heroes by placing a wreath at the National War Memorial before moving to the saluting dais for the parade.

First time in diplomacy: Chief Guests: European Leadership at the Parade

The President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, attended as chief guests of the Republic Day celebrations. The leaders received a guard of honour upon arrival and are expected to engage in strategic discussions with Indian leadership following the parade.

Parade Highlights: Defence, Culture & Technology

The day’s main event — the Grand Parade — will begin at 10:30 am and showcase India’s defence capabilities, cultural diversity and developmental milestones.

The theme for 2026 is “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” celebrating the legacy of the national song by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Dozens of tableaux from states, Union territories, ministries and departments will roll down Kartavya Path, highlighting both cultural heritage and innovations under the themes Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram and Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Defence Participation

India’s armed forces will present an elaborate lineup of defence hardware and contingents, including BrahMos and Akash missile systems, the ‘Suryastra’ rocket launcher, and the Main Battle Tank Arjun.

Newly raised units such as the Bhairav light commando battalion and the Shaktiban Regiment will make notable appearances.

Around 2,500 cultural performers and military marching contingents will take part, with approximately 10,000 special guests invited to witness the spectacle.

What to check out for:

Battle array formation: The Army will, for the first time, march in a sequence that mirrors a real combat scenario, complete with reconnaissance and logistics units.

Bhairav battalion debut: The newly-raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion makes its first appearance.

Indigenous firepower: Expect a showcase of the Shaktibaan Regiment and the latest Suryastra weapon systems, highlighting India’s push for self-reliance.

The flypast: A stunning finale with 29 aircraft, including Rafale jets and LCH Prachand helicopters, soaring over Kartavya Path.

Showcasing the silk route legacy

Two Bactrian camels named Galwan and Nubra will lead an animal contingent along Kartavya Path, reported First Post. The double-humped camels, native to Ladakh, will parade alongside Zanskar ponies, indigenous breeds and Army dogs as part of the Indian Army’s Remount & Veterinary Corps formation, the report states. Bactrian camels played a vital role in connecting China and India along the ancient Silk Road. They served as key pack animals that carried people, goods and ideas across Eurasia.

Unity in diversity

At least 100 cultural artists will perform in the parade on the theme of ‘Vividata Mein Ekta – Unity in Diversity’.

Parade commanders

The parade will be commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi, a second-generation officer. Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi, a third-generation army officer, will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

Highest gallantry awards: Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (retired) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, and Ashoka Chakra winners Major General CA Pithawalia (retired) and Colonel D Sreeram Kumar will win follow the parade.

EU contingent: The European Union (EU) contingent will comprise four Flag Bearers on three gypsies. They will be seen carrying four flags – the flag of the EU, the most recognisable symbol of the European Union; the flag of the European Union Military Staff; the flag of EU Naval Force Atalanta; and the flag of EU Naval Force Aspides, according to NDTV.

Wishes from US, China

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed warm Republic Day wishes to India, praising the enduring partnership between the two countries. China’s President ‍Xi Jinping said China and India were “good neighbours, friends and partners” as ⁠he wished President Droupadi Murmu congratulations on the South Asian nation’s Republic Day, the official Xinhua news agency reported on ‌Monday. Xi said ‌that over the past year, China-India relations have continued to improve ‌and develop and are of “great significance for maintaining and promoting world peace and prosperity, reported Xinhua.