India marks 77th Republic Day with Kartavya Path parade and EU leaders as chief guests
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with a high-security parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcasing military hardware, cultural tableaux and a flypast, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa attending as chief guests.
Parade in New Delhi draws thousands and global attention
India marked Republic Day on Monday, 26 January 2026, with the main parade held on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Thousands lined the ceremonial boulevard to watch marching contingents, bands and state and ministry tableaux, as the country commemorated the Constitution coming into force on 26 January 1950.
The celebrations were conducted under heightened security, with major routes and public spaces closely monitored. Across the country, state capitals and major cities also held Republic Day parades and flag-hoisting events, keeping the focus on constitutional values and national unity.
Military display and flypast highlight indigenous capability
The Kartavya Path showcase featured marching troops from military and paramilitary units, alongside a moving display of hardware that included tanks, missile platforms, mobile radar systems and other equipment presented in formation. The programme concluded with an Indian Air Force flypast, including fighter jets and transport aircraft, adding a dramatic finish to the national ceremony.
Cultural performances ran alongside the defence spectacle, with dance troupes and floats highlighting India’s regional diversity. Stunt riders on motorcycles also performed as part of the parade sequence, drawing loud cheers from spectators gathered along the route.
European Union leaders attend as chief guests
A notable diplomatic highlight was the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, who attended as chief guests. Their participation underlined the emphasis on international partnerships even as the event remained rooted in the Constitution and the republic’s journey since 1950.
This year’s Republic Day programming also continued the tradition of combining ceremony with messaging—projecting preparedness, cultural confidence and diplomatic engagement. The visual story of the day, captured in photographs from the parade and parallel events in other cities, reflected both pageantry and heavy security arrangements.