77th Republic Day: Kartavya Path parade features first-ever phased Battle Array of the Army
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute at Kartavya Path and EU leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen as Chief Guests; the parade showcased a phased Battle Array Format of the Army for the first time.
Summary
The 77th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path blended the theme of 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' with military strength and cultural diversity. President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations, with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as Chief Guests, and an EU contingent carrying four flags took part. PM Narendra Modi first paid tribute at the National War Memorial. The parade was commanded by Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, GOC Delhi Area. For the first time the Indian Army displayed a phased Battle Array Format including an aerial component; an animal contingent featured Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, black kites and Indian-breed dogs; and the Indian Coast Guard fielded an all-women contingent led by Assistant Commandant Nishi Sharma.
Key facts
- Date
- 26 January 2026, Kartavya Path, New Delhi
- Chief Guests
- António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen (EU)
- Theme thread
- 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'
- Parade Commander
- Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, GOC Delhi Area
- First
- Phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army, with aerial component
- Animal contingent
- Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, black kites, Indian-breed dogs
- ICG contingent
- All-women, led by Asst Commandant Nishi Sharma
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Who commanded the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar
PIB (Defence): the parade was commanded by Parade Commander Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, GOC Delhi Area; Maj Gen Navraj Dhillon was Second-in-Command.
What was showcased for the first time at the 77th Republic Day Parade (2026)?
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Correct answer: D — A phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army including an aerial component
PIB (Defence): 'For the first time, the parade will showcase a phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army, including the aerial component.'
Consider the following about the 77th Republic Day Parade: 1. The Indian Coast Guard contingent was all-women. 2. The animal contingent included Bactrian camels and black kites. 3. Its celebrations were themed around 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Defence): all-women ICG contingent led by Asst Comdt Nishi Sharma; animal contingent with Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, black kites and dogs; parade blends 150 years of Vande Mataram.
Which organisation's contingent marched in India's Republic Day Parade for the first time in 2026, carrying four flags including those of EU Naval Force Atalanta and Aspides?
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Correct answer: D — European Union
PIB (Defence): the EU contingent carried the flags of the EU, EU Military Staff, EU Naval Force Atalanta and EU Naval Force Aspides; the President's Secretariat called it the first EU participation in Republic Day.