Politics

India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26, 2026, showcasing its military strength with an impressive display of missiles, warplanes, and new military units, along with advanced weapons used in Operation Sindoor. The event featured notable guests such as Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The celebration at Kartavya Path, the main boulevard in the capital, focused on the theme of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. The parade began with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute after arriving in a traditional buggy alongside Mr. Costa and Ms. von der Leyen, escorted by the Indian President’s bodyguards. Among the attendees were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, various Union ministers, high-ranking military officials, foreign diplomats, and senior government members. Key military equipment displayed included the BrahMos and Akash missile systems, the ‘Suryastra’ rocket launcher, the Main Battle Tank Arjun, and a range of locally-made military technology. Around 100 performers kicked off the parade with a presentation themed ‘Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity)’, showcasing a variety of musical instruments that highlighted the country’s unity and rich cultural heritage.