Republic Day Parade 2025 Live Updates: India is all set to display its military might and rich cultural heritage during the 76th Republic Day celebrations on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the enactment of India’s Constitution, and the theme of the tableaux for the occasion will be “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development).
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at the event, marking a significant diplomatic milestone as he becomes the fourth Indonesian president to participate in India’s Republic Day celebrations. Sukarno, Indonesia’s first president, was the chief guest at India’s inaugural Republic Day in 1950. Subianto’s delegation will include a 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia.
In line with the celebrations, India will showcase a blend of military prowess, cultural diversity, and development. Military platforms such as the BrahMos missile, Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system, and Akash weapon system will be displayed for the first time during the parade, along with the Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’ and DRDO’s surface-to-surface tactical missile ‘Pralay’.
The parade will feature a variety of contingents, including the tri-services tableau that will highlight the spirit of jointness among India’s armed forces. The tableau, themed “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat” (Strong and Secure India), will illustrate a battlefield scenario involving synchronized operations across land, water, and air using indigenous platforms such as the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas fighter aircraft, and the Advanced Light Helicopter.
This year’s Republic Day also carries special significance as the Constitution of India, adopted in 1949 and coming into effect on January 26, 1950, completes 75 years. The parade will be led by President Droupadi Murmu, who will deliver the address to the nation. Prior to the parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial to honour the fallen soldiers.
A highlight of the event will be the participation of 5,000 cultural artistes, who will perform in a historic display of unity, covering the entire Kartavya Path. They will play “Sare Jahan Se Achha” using traditional instruments from across India, including Shehnai, Sundari, Nadaswaram, and more.
Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding of the Delhi Area, will command the parade, with Major General Sumit Mehta serving as Parade Second-in-Command. Among the notable participants will be two Param Vir Chakra awardees, Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, both Kargil war heroes, as well as Ashok Chakra awardee Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd).
The Indian Army will showcase a variety of advanced military vehicles and equipment, including the T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks, the NAG Missile System, and the BrahMos missile. A significant feature will also be the motorbike display by the daredevils of the Corps of Signals, led by Capt Ashish Rana. Capt Dimple Singh Bhati will make history by becoming the first woman officer from the Army to give the ladder-born salute to the President during the parade.
In addition to the military display, 31 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path, showcasing the diversity of India’s states and Union Territories. The states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, among others, will present their tableaux, while Union Territories like Delhi and Chandigarh will also participate.
The Republic Day parade will conclude with a spectacular flypast involving 40 Indian Air Force aircraft and three Dornier aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard. This year’s event promises to be a historic celebration of India’s military achievements, cultural heritage, and constitutional legacy.
