New Delhi is all set to witness a spectacular Republic Day Parade 2026, which will not only highlight India’s military strength and cultural richness but also celebrate the country’s growing global stature and grassroots achievements.
According to the Ministry of Defence, this year’s celebrations will feature a unique blend of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s modern military might, and vibrant cultural diversity through 30 colourful tableaux, making it one of the most inclusive and symbolic Republic Day events in recent years.
Special Global Guests at Kartavya Path
This year, a diverse group of international and national achievers will be prominently seated at Kartavya Path as special invitees. These include:
◆Foreign delegates and Indian participants of the Youth Exchange Programme (YEP)-2026
◆International and Indian monk delegations attending the Second Global Buddhist Summit 2026
◆Medal winners of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, Junior (IOAA Jr 2025)
These special guests will also visit the National War Memorial, PM Sangrahalay, and other iconic locations in Delhi, giving them a deeper understanding of India’s heritage and democratic journey. They will also get an opportunity to interact with Union Ministers and senior officials.
Spotlight on Grassroots Heroes & Entrepreneurs
In a major step towards recognising India’s real changemakers, the government has also invited representatives of:
●Best-performing MSMEs funded by the Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund
●Farmers practicing natural farming
●Trained MAITRI professionals (Multipurpose AI Technicians in Rural India) improving animal husbandry and cattle breeding
●Shopkeepers, traders and MSMEs passing on GST 2.0 benefits to customers
Special 10,000 Invites to Unsung Achievers
This year’s Republic Day will be truly inclusive, with 10,000 special invitees drawn from across the nation, including:
◆Best-performing start-ups in Innovation, Space and Medical fields
◆Winners of the Veer Gatha Project
◆Sarpanches of Panchayats achieving full coverage of central government schemes
◆Villagers who received pucca houses under PM Awas Yojana (Grameen)
◆Women artisans trained under the Mahila Coir Yojana
This reflects the government’s effort to bring the “last mile beneficiaries” to the national spotlight.
Military Might on Grand Display
This will be the first Republic Day Parade after Operation Sindoor, making the military showcase even more special.
The parade will feature advanced defence platforms including:
◆BrahMos and Akash missiles
A grand flypast by 29 aircraft, including:
◆Rafale
◆Su-30
◆Mig-29
◆P8i
◆C-295
◆Apache
◆LCH
◆ALH
◆Mi-17 helicopters
These formations will demonstrate India’s air dominance and indigenous defence capabilities.
Culture Meets Power: A Visual Spectacle
Adding a rich cultural layer, around 2,500 artists will perform, celebrating:
◆‘Vande Mataram’
◆‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
India’s unity in diversity
The 30 tableaux will represent states, ministries and key national themes, offering a visual narrative of India’s progress.
A Republic Day Like Never Before
With global participation, recognition of grassroots contributors, advanced defence platforms and cultural grandeur, Republic Day 2026 promises to be a powerful statement of India’s strength, inclusiveness and future-ready vision.
