India marked its 77th Republic Day on Monday with a grand display of military strength, cultural diversity and global goodwill, as President Droupadi Murmu presided over the celebrations at Kartavya Path, with top European leaders attending as Chief Guests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared glimpses of the Indian Armed Forces from the parade, calling the security forces the “pride of the nation”. “The Republic Day parade offered a glimpse into the strengthening capabilities of India’s security forces. Our forces are truly our pride,” he said in a post on X.
The Indian Air Force stole the spotlight with a spectacular flypast featuring 29 aircraft — including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters — operating from five different bases. Striking formations such as Arjan, Varuna, Vajraang, Vijay and the special Sindoor formation showcased the IAF’s operational readiness, precision and combat power.
The Vajraang formation of six Rafale jets highlighted high-precision manoeuvring, while a lone Rafale thundered past at 900 kmph before executing the dramatic “Vertical Charlie” manoeuvre, leaving spectators spellbound. The Sindoor formation, comprising Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30 and Jaguar aircraft, was dedicated to the IAF’s role in Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack, underlining the force’s ability to deliver swift and decisive outcomes through jointness and preparedness.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Police and paramilitary contingents also marched along Kartavya Path, highlighting the role of central forces in internal security and border management.
Republic Day celebrations extended beyond the national capital, with Indian Army personnel unfurling the national flag in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, while the Beating Retreat ceremony was held at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa attended the parade as Chief Guests. Von der Leyen described the invitation as an “honour of a lifetime”, saying a successful India makes the world “more stable, prosperous and secure”.
Global leaders also extended greetings on the occasion. US President Donald Trump congratulated India on its 77th Republic Day, calling the ties between the world’s oldest and largest democracies historic. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said witnessing US-made aircraft flying in the Indian sky during the parade symbolised the growing India-US strategic partnership.
French President Emmanuel Macron shared a message recalling his role as Chief Guest at the 2024 celebrations and said he looked forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi in February. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President Murmu, calling it the right choice for India and China to be “good-neighbourly friends and partners”, amid improving bilateral ties. King Charles III also conveyed warm wishes, reaffirming the enduring partnership between India and the United Kingdom and highlighting cooperation within the Commonwealth.
Republic Day, observed annually on January 26, commemorates the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, completing India’s transition to a sovereign, democratic republic founded on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
