India is set to celebrate its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, marking the platinum jubilee of the adoption of the Constitution. The grand event will take place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, where the nation will showcase its military strength and cultural diversity. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest, becoming the fourth Indonesian president to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations. The first was Sukarno, who graced India’s inaugural Republic Day in 1950.
President Droupadi Murmu will hoist the Tricolour and deliver a speech to the nation. As always, the Republic Day parade will feature an impressive display of military prowess, cutting-edge technology, and India’s rich cultural heritage.
Here are 10 key highlights of the Republic Day 2025 celebrations:
- Tableaux Participation: A total of 16 tableaux from states and Union territories, and 15 from central ministries, departments, and organizations, will participate in the parade, showcasing the diversity and strength of India.
- Showcasing Advanced Defence Technology: India will display some of its most advanced defense platforms, including the BrahMos missile, Pinaka rocket system, and Akash surface-to-air missile. Additionally, the Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’ and DRDO’s tactical missile ‘Pralay’ will make their debut at the parade.
- Groundbreaking Military Equipment: The parade will also feature key military assets like the T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks, Sarath infantry vehicles, and the Nag Missile System. Other notable equipment includes the ‘Agnibaan’ multi-barrel rocket launcher and the ‘Bajrang’ light specialist vehicle.
- Tri-Services Tableau: In a historic first, a tri-services tableau will be displayed, emphasizing the “jointness” of India’s armed forces. This tableau will feature the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft, and an advanced light helicopter in a synchronized operation demonstrating land, air, and water capabilities. The theme is ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Strong and Secure India).
- Prime Minister’s Tribute: Before the parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tribute to India’s martyrs at the National War Memorial by laying a wreath. The parade will begin with a National Salute and last for 90 minutes, symbolizing India’s heritage and progress.
- Aircraft Participation: The air display will include an array of aircraft such as the C-130J Super Hercules, C-295, C-17 Globemaster, P-8I, MiG-29, and Su-30, among others. The parade will also feature 300 cultural artists playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ on musical instruments, reflecting India’s unity.
- Parade Commanders: Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, will lead the parade as the Parade Commander, while Maj Gen Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff (COS), Delhi Area, will serve as the Parade Second-in-Command.
- Flypast and Ground Columns: The flypast will feature 40 Indian Air Force aircraft, alongside three Dornier aircraft from the Indian Coast Guard. The Indian Army will participate with a mounted column, eight mechanized columns, and six marching contingents, including the prestigious 61 Cavalry.
- Marching Contingents: The parade will include contingents from various regiments, such as the Brigade of Guards, Jat Regiment, Garhwal Rifles, and J&K Light Infantry. Capt Ritika Khareta, the only woman member of her contingent, will command the Corps of Signals’ marching unit.
- Daredevil Motorcycle Display: A thrilling motorcycle display by the daredevils of the Corps of Signals will add excitement to the celebrations. Capt Ashish Rana will lead the display, with Capt Dimple Singh Bhati following as the second in command.
Republic Day 2025 promises to be a spectacular display of India’s military strength, cultural heritage, and the nation’s progress. With a rich mix of tradition and modernity, the celebrations will be a fitting tribute to the country’s constitutional journey.
