Image Source hindustantimes.com
NEW DELHI – India today marked its 77th Republic Day with a spectacular display of military prowess and cultural heritage at Kartavya Path. The 2026 celebrations carry a historic weight, as the nation commemorates the 150th anniversary of the national song, *Vande Mataram, while simultaneously pivoting toward a new era of global diplomacy.
A Historic Double-Header: EU Leaders as Chief Guests
In an unprecedented move, the Indian government hosted two top leaders from the European Union as joint Chief Guests: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Their presence underscores a deepening strategic partnership. Following the parade, India and the EU are expected to sign a landmark Security and Defense Partnership pact. This agreement—only the third of its kind the EU has signed in Asia—signals a mutual shift toward “strategic autonomy” in an increasingly fragmented global landscape.
Parade Highlights: Tradition Meets “Battle Array”
The theme, “Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram” and “Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” was brought to life by 30 tableaux and over 2,500 artists. Key highlights included:
- First-Ever “Battle Array”: The Indian Army debuted a phased “Battle Array” formation, showcasing a realistic combat-style display featuring drones, tanks, and indigenous artillery.
- Indigenous Might: The parade featured the Tejas aircraft, BrahMos missiles, and the T-90 “Bhishma” tanks, reinforcing the “Make in India” initiative.
- Animal Logistics: In a unique nod to specialized warfare, the animal unit of the Remount & Veterinary Corps marched with Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies, units critical for navigating India’s high-altitude borders.
The Economic and Social Backdrop
While the festivities at Kartavya Path were jubilant, the national mood is one of cautious optimism.
- Market Jitters: The Indian stock market faced a rocky start to 2026, with the Sensex seeing significant volatility earlier this month due to global trade tensions.
- Budget 2026 Expectations: With the Union Budget less than two weeks away, eyes are on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Economists expect a pivot toward “supply-push” reforms to address a cooling in urban consumption despite robust rural demand.
- Padma Honors: On the eve of Republic Day, the government announced the Padma Awards 2026, notably honoring a record number of “unsung heroes” from grassroots backgrounds in fields like social work and traditional arts.
“Our Constitution is the greatest weapon for every Indian,” noted Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in his greetings, echoing the sentiment of “collective vigilance” shared by several state leaders across the country.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow, January 27, all eyes will shift from the parade grounds to the high-level 16th India-EU Summit, where negotiators hope to finalize the long-awaited **Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
