India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day today. The main parade was held on Kartavya Path in Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the tricolor flag. This was followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was then awarded the Ashok Chakra.
For the first time, two chief guests attended the ceremony: Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The 90-minute parade featured 30 tableaux from various states and ministries.
The three armed forces showcased their strength in the parade. 29 aircraft from the Air Force, including Rafale, Jaguar, MiG-29, and Sukhoi, participated. They performed the Sindoor, Vajrang, Arjan, and Prahar formations.
The armed forces displayed missiles, battle aircraft, new battalions, and lethal weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor. These included the BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, the Suryastra rocket launcher, the Arjun main battle tank, and a series of indigenous military platforms and hardware.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi were also present.
The flypast featured 29 aircraft, including Sukhoi and C295s, performing the Varun, Arjan, and Sindoor formations. These aircraft took off from Chandigarh. Six Rafale aircraft were seen in the Vajrang formation. The Arjan formation was created by C295 aircraft.
Two Rafale, two Sukhoi, two MiG-29, and one Jaguar fighter aircraft of the IAF formed the Sindoor formation. This design was chosen not only for its aerodynamics but also for its symbolism, tradition, and message. The Sindoor formation appeared like a tilak (vermilion mark) in the sky.
The parade included 30 tableaux from various states and ministries, featuring 2,500 artists. These included 2,500 artists.
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