European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. File | Photo credit: AP
Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh announced on Friday (January 16, 2026) that European Union leaders Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will be the chief guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations.
At a media briefing ahead of the Republic Day, he said the 90-minute Republic Day parade on January 26 along the Kartavya trail will be themed on 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, a theme that will also anchor the Beating the Retreat ceremony.
In a symbolic move to end the VIP culture, the defense minister announced to the media that the enclosures at the Republic Day parade will be named after Indian rivers, while those at the Beating the Retreat ceremony will be named after musical instruments. For the first time, the European naval contingent will also take part in the parade.
The first showcases
The show will feature several military firsts, including the Bhairav Battalion, Shaktibaan Regiments, Drone Shakti and the Universal Rocket Launcher. A major highlight will be the phased battlefield format of the Indian Army with commentary explaining the operational roles of formations and equipment. The air component will also be displayed in a battlefield formation, he said.
Mr. Singh further said that 100 cultural artists who will perform with Indian martial musical instruments will start the celebrations. The marching contingents will include the Bhairav contingent in “Uncha Kadam Taal” and the Ladakh Scouts, while the animal contingent comprising Zanskar ponies, two-humped camels and dogs will reflect India’s diverse operational landscape.
A total of 18 marching contingents and 13 bands will take part in the parade. Rafale, Su-30, P-8I, C-130, C-295, MiG-29, Apache, LCH, ALH and Mi-17 aircraft and helicopters in various formations.
‘Vande Mataram’ will be the central theme of the 2026 Republic Day celebrations, with images from six states and departments highlighting the theme. Artist Tejendra Kumar Mitra’s paintings illustrating the verses of ‘Vande Mataram’ will be displayed on the Kartavya Path while bands will play his tune during the Beating the Retreat ceremony.
A total of 30 paintings — 17 from states and union territories and 13 from ministries and services — will come down the Kartavya Path, while 11 states and UTs will also participate in the Bharat Parv, making Republic Day 2026 a comprehensive celebration of India’s cultural heritage and military might, he said.
Published – 16 Jan 2026 20:58 IST
