Military might and diplomacy: India sends a powerful message on R-Day

Operation Sindoor, BrahMos and EU leaders define 77th Republic Day parade

- VINAY KUMAR

NEW DELHI: India marked its 77th Republic Day on Monday with a meticulously choreographed parade in New Delhi that blended pageantry, cultural expression and an extensive display of military capability, while also carrying a strong diplomatic signal through the presence of senior leaders from the European Union.

The celebrations along Kartavya Path unfolded against the overarching theme of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, situating the spectacle in both historical reflection and contemporary national priorities.

President Droupadi Murmu led the ceremonial proceedings, which began at 10.30 am and continued for nearly 90 minutes. She arrived at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy, escorted by the President's Bodyguard, accompanied by the chief guests, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The guests on the saluting dais were seated behind a glass shield panel, a feature that has become standard in recent years. Von der Leyen attended the ceremony in a maroon and gold silk brocade outfit. The trio later departed the venue in the same ceremonial carriage.

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Chief of Defence Staff, the three service chiefs, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, several Union ministers, foreign diplomats and senior officials were among those who witnessed the parade from the enclosures lining the boulevard. About 10,000 special guests from different walks of life were invited to attend the event.

The presence of the two European Union leaders added a diplomatic layer to the occasion.