India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with a large parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi that combined a display of domestically produced military hardware with colourful cultural floats and folk performances. Visiting dignitaries included Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, seated alongside President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event concluded with an Indian Air Force flypast featuring Rafale fighters, while state capitals across the country staged parallel parades under heightened security.
India’s 77th Republic Day: Spectacular Military Parade and Cultural Showcase on Kartavya Path
Indian Para-military force soldiers march during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
NEW DELHI — Rows of soldiers marched in precise formation, automatic rifles held against their chests as armoured columns rolled past. Mobile missile systems, radar vehicles, tanks and military command units followed in disciplined serial order. Above, fighter jets cut across the sky in a thunderous flypast.
Parade And Dignitaries
India marked its 77th Republic Day on Monday with a vibrant parade along Kartavya Path, the wide ceremonial boulevard in the heart of New Delhi. Thousands of spectators lined the route to watch the procession commemorating the adoption of India’s Constitution on Jan. 26, 1950, nearly three years after independence from British colonial rule. Visiting dignitaries included Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who were seated alongside India’s President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Military Display
Soldiers from India’s armed and paramilitary forces marched with precision, accompanied by military bands. The parade prominently featured domestically produced defence equipment: tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, mobile radar systems and missile platforms paraded in formation, highlighting India’s growing indigenous defence production. Motorcycle stunt teams performed jaw-dropping feats as part of the procession.
Cultural Pageantry
The Republic Day tableau also celebrated India's cultural diversity. Colorful floats representing states and union territories showcased local traditions, while troupes in vivid costumes performed folk dances and choreographed presentations that reflected the nation’s rich heritage.
Flypast And Nationwide Observances
The ceremony concluded with an aerial display by the Indian Air Force, including Rafale fighters and transport aircraft. Across India, state capitals and major cities held their own Republic Day parades under heightened security measures.
Photo Gallery: This selection of images was curated by AP photo editors.
Indian military soldiers march during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Indian army commandos march during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
European Council President Antonio Costa, center left, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen greet officials upon their arrival at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Indian Para-military force soldiers march during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Soldiers from Indian para-military force display their skills on motorcycles during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Indian Border Security Force soldiers march during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Indian Army soldiers on light strike vehicles drive past during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Indian army soldiers with Bacterian camels and Zanskar ponies march during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
An Indian army soldier along with sniffer dog marches during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Indian Army soldiers display Unified rocket launcher systems and Brahmos missiles during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Indian para-military force soldiers march during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
A tableaux depicting the Indian state of Maharashtra drives past during the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
A cadet of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) shouts as she salute during the India's Republic Day parade in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Indian soldier guard outside the venue of India's Republic Day parade in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
An Indian soldier and a policeman guard as a woman walks near the venue of India's Republic Day parade in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
An Indian army commando leads a parading contingent during the Republic Day ceremonial parade, in Kolkata, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Schoolgirls walk with portraits of Indian freedom fighters and eminent personalities during a Republic Day ceremonial parade, in Kolkata, India, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Help us improve.
