New Delhi: The 2026 Republic Day Celebrations in the national capital will be a unique blend of 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s military might, and cultural diversity.
This will be the first Republic Day parade after Operation Sindoor – India's precision strikes on terror camps across the border in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April last year.
India will showcase its newly-raised Bhairav light commando battalion and a range of indigenous platforms in a phased battle array format. The parade will feature 4 transport aircraft, 9 helicopters, and 16 fighter jets, showcasing special formations dedicated to Operation Sindoor, which set the tone for the nation’s future response to a terror attack.
In a new format introduced this year, key Army assets, including indigenous platforms, accompanied by personnel, will roll down the Kartavya Path in a "phased battle array formation".
Further, symbolizing India’s aerial dominance during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will showcase a formation of frontline fighter jets with the call sign ‘Sindoor’ during the Republic Day flypast on January 26.
The spearhead formation will comprise two Rafale jets, two MiG-29s, two Su-30 MKIs and one Jaguar aircraft — all of which actively participated in the operation. The flypast will carry the flag of Operation Sindoor, commemorating India’s decisive military response from May 7 to May 10 following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The flypast will showcase multiple formations such as Sindoor, Dhwaj, Prahar, Garud, Arjan, Varuna, and Vajrang. In a special tribute, four Mi-17 helicopters will shower flower petals over the marching contingents on Kartavya Path.
The 2026 celebrations also mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram – India’s national song – which has been marked as the theme for the tableaux and cultural performances. Around 2,500 artists from across the country will participate in a mega cultural show, with the national song at the centre of the display of the nation’s cultural and traditional heritage.
The parade will be attended by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, as the chief guests.
