India showcased its military strength and rich cultural heritage as the 77th Republic Day celebrations were held with grandeur at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the National Flag and received the ceremonial salute, followed by a 21-gun salute by the armed forces.
The President arrived at Kartavya Path from Rashtrapati Bhavan in a traditional horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by foreign dignitaries. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended the celebrations as chief guests. They were welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Vice President, and Union Ministers.
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President Murmu later conferred the Ashok Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who had undertaken a space mission. The Republic Day parade began with vibrant cultural performances by artists from across the country, including Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the spirit of “One India.” MI-17 helicopters showered flower petals on the audience.
The parade prominently displayed India’s growing defence capabilities, featuring T-90 Arjun and Bhishma tanks, Apache helicopters, BMP-3 infantry vehicles, Nag missile systems, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles such as Divyastra and Shaktiban. Advanced weapon systems including Dhanush, Amogh guns, BrahMos missile, Akash air defence system, and the Integrated Operations Centre model used during Operation Sindoor drew special attention.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial. Accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Chiefs of the three armed forces, the Prime Minister laid a wreath and honoured the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
