India marks 77th Republic Day with Kartavya Path parade, military display and cultural tableaux
India observed its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with the main national parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, drawing crowds and showcasing domestically produced defence hardware, cultural performances and an air force flypast. Visiting European leaders attended as chief guests amid heightened security across major cities.
A national celebration on Kartavya Path
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday, 26 January 2026, with the central parade held on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Thousands of spectators lined the ceremonial boulevard to watch the long march past and floats that commemorate the Constitution coming into force on 26 January 1950, nearly three years after Independence.
The event brought together marching contingents from the armed forces and paramilitary units, bands and ceremonial detachments. The parade’s structure mixed military precision with cultural segments that highlighted regional diversity through folk dances and themed tableaux.
Defence hardware and the flypast
A key focus of the display was India’s domestically produced military equipment. Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, mobile radar systems and missile platforms rolled past in formation as leaders and guests watched from the official enclosure.
The parade concluded with an Indian Air Force flypast featuring fighter aircraft, including Rafale jets, alongside transport planes. The aerial display served as the finale to a programme designed to blend tradition with a statement of preparedness and modern capability.
International guests and security across cities
Visiting European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended the event as chief guests, flanked by India’s top leadership. Across India, state capitals and major cities also held Republic Day parades, with security measures tightened as authorities remained alert during the national holiday.
Beyond the capital, local celebrations mirrored the national theme of constitutional pride, with schools, civic groups and uniformed services participating in city-level events. Many state ceremonies emphasised both remembrance and continuity, using performances and marches to connect civic identity with the day’s constitutional significance.