Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, urging citizens to renew their collective resolve towards building a developed India.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister said Republic Day symbolises India’s pride and honour and should infuse new enthusiasm among citizens. He added that the national festival must strengthen the resolve for a Viksit Bharat.

Republic Day is observed annually on January 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950, marking the country’s formal transition into a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. The day holds historic importance as it reflects the culmination of India’s freedom struggle and the foundation of constitutional governance based on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Grand celebrations at Kartavya Path

President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, are attending the event as chief guests.

Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial, has been extensively decorated to reflect India’s journey of progress and achievement.

According to the Ministry of Defence, this year’s celebrations will showcase a blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, India’s development journey, military strength, cultural diversity and participation from people across the country.

Parade highlights and ceremonial traditions

The ceremony will begin at 10:30 am and is expected to last around 90 minutes. Prime Minister Modi will first visit the National War Memorial to pay homage to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath. He will then proceed to Kartavya Path along with other dignitaries to witness the parade.

The President of India, along with the European Council and European Commission presidents, will arrive in the traditional buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.

As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute using indigenously developed 105 mm Light Field Guns. The salute will be presented by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.

Tableaux reflect self-reliance and cultural heritage

A total of 30 tableaux — 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries, Departments and Services — will roll down Kartavya Path. The themes include Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram and Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The tableaux will present a visual narrative of the legacy of Vande Mataram, India’s rapid development and the spirit of self-reliance, along with the nation’s rich cultural diversity.

India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day today with a ceremonial parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are attending the celebrations as chief guests.

Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, has been extensively decorated to reflect India’s journey as a republic. This year’s celebrations also mark the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, blending historical symbolism with contemporary national achievements.

According to the Defence Ministry, the parade highlights India’s developmental progress, military capabilities, cultural diversity, and participation from citizens across the country.

Parade begins with tribute at National War Memorial

The Republic Day parade began at 10:30 am and is scheduled to run for around 90 minutes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi first visited the National War Memorial, where he laid a wreath to honour fallen soldiers. He then proceeded to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path along with other dignitaries.

President Murmu arrived at the venue in the traditional buggy, accompanied by the two chief guests and escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.

Following the unfurling of the national flag, the national anthem was played along with a 21-gun salute using indigenously developed 105 mm light field guns. The salute was presented by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.

Cultural performances and parade leadership

More than 100 cultural artists are participating in the parade, performing on the theme ‘Vividata Mein Ekta – Unity in Diversity’. The musical presentation reflects India’s cultural richness and national unity.

The parade is being commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi. Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff at Headquarters Delhi, is serving as the Parade Second-in-Command.

Gallantry award winners and EU participation

Recipients of India’s highest gallantry awards are also part of the parade. These include Param Vir Chakra awardees Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (retired) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, along with Ashoka Chakra awardees Major General CA Pithawalia (retired) and Colonel D Sreeram Kumar.

An European Union contingent is participating with four flag bearers on three gypsies. The group is carrying the flags of the European Union, the European Union Military Staff, EU Naval Force Atalanta, and EU Naval Force Aspides.

First-ever phased battle array display

For the first time, the Indian Army is showcasing a phased battle array format during the parade, including aerial elements. The reconnaissance component includes the 61 Cavalry in combat uniform, followed by the high mobility reconnaissance vehicle — India’s first indigenously designed armoured light specialist vehicle.

Aerial support is being provided by the indigenous Dhruv advanced light helicopter and its armed variant, Rudra, underlining India’s growing defence self-reliance.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says his views on Operation Sindhoor were guided by national interest and aligned with India’s security priorities

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said he has never crossed the Congress party’s stated positions inside Parliament, asserting that his only principled public disagreement was related to Operation Sindhoor.

Speaking during a session at the Kerala Literature Festival, Tharoor said he had taken a firm stand on the issue and remained “unapologetic” about it. His remarks come amid recent reports highlighting differences between him and sections of the party leadership, with speculation around his dissatisfaction over not being adequately acknowledged at a recent event in Kochi and alleged attempts by state leaders to sideline him.

Clarifying his position, Tharoor said that as a writer and observer, he had penned a newspaper column after the Pahalgam incident, arguing that the attack should not go unpunished and calling for a limited kinetic response. He added that while India’s primary focus remains development, the country should not be drawn into a prolonged conflict with Pakistan.

According to Tharoor, any response should be restricted to targeting terrorist camps rather than escalating tensions. He noted that he was surprised when the government eventually took steps that mirrored the approach he had outlined.

Referring to Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous words, “Who lives if India dies?”, Tharoor said that when the country’s security and global standing are at stake, national interest must take precedence over political differences.

He added that while political parties may disagree on various issues in the process of strengthening democracy, India must come first whenever core national interests are involved.