New Delhi: India on Monday marked its 77th Republic Day with a ceremonial parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcasing the country’s development journey, cultural diversity and military strength.
The national parade featured newly raised units and models of key weapon systems deployed during Operation Sindoor. More than 30 tableaux from states and Union Territories took part in the parade, including one from Punjab dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
European Council president Antonio Costa and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen were the chief guests at the celebrations in the national capital.
For the first time, a Central Reserve Police Force contingent in the parade was led by women personnel, marking a significant moment in the force’s history.
Earlier in the day, prime minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial. Defence minister Rajnath Singh, chief of defence staff and the chiefs of the three armed forces were present on the occasion.
In a message marking the occasion, Modi greeted the nation on Republic Day and reiterated the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. In a post on X, he said Republic Day symbolises India’s freedom, Constitution and democratic values, and inspires citizens to move forward together with renewed energy towards nation-building.
