India celebrates 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026. On this day in 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, making India a sovereign democratic republic.
The formal state ceremony begins with a visit to the National War Memorial by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will pay tribute to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath and observing a two-minute silence.
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President Droupadi Murmu will arrive at Kartavya Path with chief guests Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen in a traditional ceremonial buggy.
It will unfurl the national flag, followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105mm light field guns. The main parade will then start at 10:30.
India will showcase its military might during the 2026 Republic Day parade. Key weapon systems deployed by the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor were part of the parade at the 77th Republic Day celebrations. One of the key showcases is the S-400.
What is S-400?
The S-400 air defense system will be presented to the public for the first time at the 2026 Republic Day parade. It will appear on the tableau of the Ministry of Military Affairs. The system played a key role during the May 2025 India-Pakistan military conflict.
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During Operation Sindoor, the S-400 successfully intercepted aerial threats. After Operation Sindoor, Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh confirmed that India shot down five Pakistani fighter jets using the S-400.
Republic Day 2026 Celebrations
India has kicked off Republic Day 2026 celebrations with tight security across the country. Security has been beefed up in Delhi-NCR and along the Line of Control (LoC).
To get people to the parade venues on time, Delhi Metro services started as early as 3:00 am. Across India, schools, government offices and residential societies held flag hoisting ceremonies between 7.30am and 9am.
Republic Day 2026 News
Political leaders also shared news on Republic Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers and several Chief Ministers greeted citizens on social media.
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“Happy Republic Day. May this occasion give new energy and enthusiasm in our collective determination to build a Viksit Bharat,” PM Modi tweeted (now X).
International leaders also joined in, and early morning greetings came from the United States and China.
“On behalf of the American people, I wish the people of India a happy Republic Day. Through cooperation in defense, energy, critical minerals, emerging technologies and the Quad, the US-India partnership is delivering real results for both nations and the Indo-Pacific,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to President Droupadi Murma. He called New Delhi and Beijing “good neighbors, friends and partners”.
“Heartily wishes Republic Day to all my fellow citizens. Our Constitution is the greatest weapon for every Indian – it is our voice, the shield for our rights,” Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, wrote on social media.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote: “Today I am reminded of the old adage: eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. I urge everyone today to exercise this vigilance. Our republic and our constitution today demand our collective vigilance.”
