R-Day 2026 celebrations conclude with air show flypast at Kartavya Path; President’s Bodyguard escort Droupadi Murmu, EU leaders

NEW DELHI: India’s 77th Republic Day parade concluded on Monday after a spectacular showcase of the country’s military might and diverse culture at Kartavya Path.

After the parade and after seeing off the President and the visiting foreign dignitaries, Prime Minister Modi kept with his custom of walking along the Kartavya Path. He was seen waving to the spectators who had gathered to witness the Republic Day parades

Flypast practice for this year’s #RepublicDay 2024 parade commenced on 19th Jan.

If you spot the IAF birds in the skies above, identify the formation, comment with its photo and #RDFlypast2024.

– Cpl Anupam Raut pic.twitter.com/BRyFA6Azlv

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 20, 2024

At the end of the ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu, along with Republic Day Parade Chief Guests, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, were escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, also known as ‘Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak,’ as they departed for Rashtrapati Bhavan.

77th #RepublicDay Parade | President Droupadi Murmu, along with President of the European Council, António Luís Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, leaves for Rashtrapati Bhavan from the Kartavya Path after witnessing the parade… pic.twitter.com/qK3YvPFKd1

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026

The President’s Bodyguard regiment is the senior-most in the Indian Army and the only one authorised to carry two standards, presented by the President on November 16, 2023. The motto and war cry of the regiment is ‘BHARAT MATA KI JAI’. The President’s Bodyguard is an Airborne Cavalry Regiment with a history of operational service.

The people watching the parade were thrilled at the stunning show of courage in the Indian motorcycle display and air show.

#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the people who arrived at Kartavya Path to watch the 77th #RepublicDay Parade

(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/1rWlqLCVYS

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026

The Indian Air Force presented a stupendous fly-past as celebrations on Kartavya Path came to a close. Precision at tremendous speeds was on display as the Air Force Pilots showcased the incredible symbiosis of man and machine. A total of 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter aircraft, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters, participated in this year’s Republic Day flypast. These aircraft are operating from five different bases.

At the beginning of the 90-minute parade a 21 Gun Salute, was presented by the 1,721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment. The ceremonial salute was commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat, with Naib Subedar (AIG) Anutosh Sarkar performing the duties of the Gun Position Officer.

The 21 Gun Salute is a time-honoured tradition, observed on Republic Day and Independence Day, and during State visits of foreign Heads of State. On this solemn occasion, it stands as a powerful tribute to the National Flag, symbolising the sovereignty, unity and strength of the Republic of India. Executed with flawless precision, the salute is fired using 105 mm Light Field Guns, an indigenously developed artillery weapon system, deployed along the iconic Kartavya Path. (ANI)