India blends combat and culture at a grand 77th Republic Day parade

India on Monday showcased its economic progress, cultural diversity and military prowess, which included indigenously developed platforms and various weapons used during Operation Sindoor on the occasion of the 77 th Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavya Path. The overarching theme of the 90-minute parade was 150 years of Vande Matram.

President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, graced the celebrations as chief guests.The parade commenced with President Droupadi Murmu, supreme commander of the armed forces, taking the salute shortly after she, Costa and von der Leyen, flanked by the Indian president’s bodyguards, arrived at the Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, several other Union ministers, the country’s top military brass, foreign diplomats, and senior officials were among the spectators.

“The Republic Day parade showcased India’s formidable security apparatus, reflecting the nation’s preparedness, technological capability and unwavering commitment to safeguarding its citizens,” Modi said on social media after the ceremony. Before the parade commenced, President Murmu conferred India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, Ashoka Chakra, to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who created history by becoming the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS).

Around 100 artistes heralded the parade, on the theme Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity) that featured a grand presentation of musical instruments, demonstrating the nation’s unity and rich cultural diversity.Prime Minister Modi was seen giving details to the two chief guests about the marching contingents, tableaux and performances. The three were on their feet during a significant part of the grand spectacle.The parade began with President Murmu taking the salute. The parade was led by Parade Commander Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.

A tri-services tableau showcasing replicas of major weapon systems deployed by the Indian military during Operation Sindoor in early May was a major attraction.The major weapon systems displayed included BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, rocket launcher ‘Suryastra’, Arjun main battle tank and an array of indigenously-built military platforms and hardware.

A glass-cased integrated operational centre, depicting the conduct of Operation Sindoor with the use of weapons systems such as BrahMos and S-400 missiles rolled down Kartavya Path.For the first time, the parade showcased a phased ‘Battle Array Format’ of the Indian Army, including its aerial component. The reconnaissance element consisted of the 61 Cavalry in active combat uniform.

It was followed by a high mobility reconnaissance vehicle. Providing aerial support was the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed version, Rudra, in Prahar formation, demonstrating battlefield shaping.The combat elements then followed with T-90 Bhisma and Main Battle Tank Arjun rolling past the saluting dais with aerial support from Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters. Other mechanised columns included BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle, along with Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-2.

A contingent of newly-raised Bhairav battalion also drew attention at the parade. The battalion is a specialised assault infantry unit that is aimed at bridging the capabilities of conventional infantry and Special Forces.

A military contingent from the European Union(EU), carrying the military staff flag and flags of Operations Atalanta and Aspides, the naval operations of the grouping, also featured at the parade. It was the EU’s first participation in such an event outside of Europe.

The Indian Navy contingent comprised 144 young personnel, led by Lt Karan Nagyal as contingent commander, and Lt Pawan Kumar Gandi, Lt Priti Kumari and Lt Varun Dreveriya as platoon commanders.It was followed by the Naval tableau that presented a vivid depiction of the theme ‘Strong Navy for a Strong Nation’. It depicted a stitched ship from the fifth century CE, now christened INSV Kaundinya, Gurab-class ships of the Maratha Navy, and frontline indigenous platforms, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri.

The tableau featured a depiction of the circumnavigation route followed by INSV Tarini as part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition.In addition to naval personnel, young cadets from the Sea Cadets Corps, a non-governmental organisation that imparts basic nautical skills to youth in Mumbai, marched alongside the tableau.

The Indian Air Force contingent comprised four officers and 144 airmen. The contingent commander was Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar with Squadron Leader Nikita Choudhery, Flt Lt Prakhar Chandrakar and Flt Lt Dinesh as supernumerary officers.Syncing with the marching contingent was a thrilling fly-past by two Rafale jets, two MiG-29s, two Su-30s and one Jaguar aircraft in ‘Spearhead’ formation, symbolising the “Sindoor Formation”.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased its hypersonic glide missile LR-AShM. It is capable of engaging static and moving targets and is designed to carry various payloads. The missile has a first-of-its-kind indigenous avionics system and high-accuracy sensor packages.

Another attraction of this year’s parade was a dance performance by approximately 2,500 cultural artistes.The performances focused on the 150th anniversary of the national song, “Vande Mataram,” with the theme “Swatantrata Ka Mantra - Vande Mataram.”The artists, representing various states and union territories, showcased a mix of folk and classical dance forms.

The performance featured a special musical tribute created by Oscar-winning composer M.M. Keeravaani.A total of 30 tableaux -- 17 of states and Union Territories and 13 of various ministries and departments rolled down the Kartavya Path. The tableaux showcased a unique mix of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and the nation’s rapid progress.A joint ‘Dare Devils’ team of motorcycle riders drawn from the Central Reserve Police Force and the Sashastra Seema Bal(SSB)enthralled the audience with their manoeuvres.

The aerial fly-past, one of the most eagerly-awaited events of the parade, witnessed the participation of a total of 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters.These included Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft, complemented by strategic assets - C-130 and C-295, as well as the Indian Navy’s P-8i aircraft. The formations include Arjan, Vajraang, Varuna and Vijay. Approximately 10,000 special guests from different walks of life were invited to witness the parade.