PM Modi extended best wishes on 77th Republic Day, shared ‘heartfelt wishes’. india news

Updated: January 26, 2026 7:19:30 am IST

Republic Day 2026 Live Updates: An elaborate defense line-up, cultural performances, vibrant tableaux and the chief guest of the Council of Europe – many things are planned for the grand Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Monday, January 26. India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day today, which commemorates the adoption of the Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950.

The grand Republic Day parade will be held on the duty path near India Gate in New Delhi, showcasing the country’s defense capabilities, cultural range and advancements in technology.

The theme of this year’s Republic Day is “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, honoring the national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. An official press release said the theme will be featured throughout the Republic Day parade, cultural programmes, tableaux, public competitions and outreach programmes, placing the song at the center of the celebrations while linking independence, cultural identity and current national goals.

Who is the chief guest on 77th Republic Day?

This year’s celebrations will see European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen being the chief guests at the parade.

Both the leaders were given a guard of honor upon reaching India on Sunday. They are expected to adopt a joint EU-India comprehensive strategic agenda on January 27 and broaden regional and multilateral cooperation.

What will be displayed on this Republic Day?

BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, deep strike rocket launcher system ‘Suryastra’ and main battle tank Arjun will be among the main military platforms that India will field on duty during the Republic Day parade today.

The newly formed Bhairav ​​Light Commando Battalion and Shaktiban Regiment, along with Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels, will participate in the formal event for the first time, news agency PTI quoted officials as saying.

Officials also said India will showcase its development path, cultural range and defense strength at the 77th Republic Day celebrations, including models of new units and major weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor.

The parade will also mark the first appearance of the Shaktiban Regiment, which is formed within the artillery and equipped with drone, counter-drone and loiter munition systems.

The tri-service tableau showcasing replicas of major weapon systems used by the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor last May is expected to be one of the major attractions in the parade.

When will the Republic Day Parade start?

According to an official release, the ceremony will begin at 10:30 am and will last for about 90 minutes.

It will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in honoring the martyred heroes by laying a wreath. After this, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will proceed to the salute platform on the duty path to view the parade.

President Draupadi Murmu, President of the European Council and President of the European Commission will arrive in a “traditional buggy” accompanied by the President’s Body Guard, the most senior regiment of the Indian Army.

As per tradition, the national flag will be hoisted, followed by the singing of the national anthem and a 21-gun salute using the 105 mm Light Field Gun, an artillery system developed in India.

After this the President will take the salute and the parade will proceed. This year, around 2,500 cultural artists from every state and union territory will participate. Around 10,000 special guests from various regions have been invited to watch the parade.

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