India marked its 76th Republic Day with a grand display of strength, self-reliance, and cultural pride at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial, followed by a solemn 21-gun salute and the unfurling of the National Flag.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, as the Chief Guest, reflected the long-standing ties between India and Indonesia.
A 144-strong Naval contingent, symbolizing the Indian Navy’s combat-readiness and cohesive power, marched down Kartavya Path. The contingent was led by Lt Cdr Sahil Ahluwalia as Contingent Commander, supported by Lt Cdr Indresh Choudhary, Lt Cdr Kajal Anil Bharani, and Lt Devender as Platoon Commanders.
The world-renowned Indian Navy brass band, led by Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician) First Class M Anthoni Raj, performed the Navy’s anthem “Jai Bharti.” In a historic first, six women musicians were part of the band, marking a milestone for gender inclusion in the Navy.
Following the marching contingent, the Indian Naval Tableau took center stage, emphasizing India’s commitment to building a self-reliant and powerful Navy. The tableau featured the newly commissioned frontline warships—Destroyer INS Surat, Frigate INS Nilgiri, and Submarine INS Vagsheer. These vessels, commissioned by Prime Minister Modi on January 15, 2025, in Mumbai, highlight India’s strides in indigenous ship design and construction.
The tableau underscored the Navy’s role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and enhancing its self-sufficiency in defence. Lt Cdr Mamta and Lt Vipul Singh Gahlaut commanded the tableau.
For the first time, a tri-services tableau rolled down Kartavya Path, symbolizing the integration and collaboration among the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. The tableau, themed “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat” (Empowered and Secure India), showcased a Joint Operations Room facilitating seamless communication between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
It depicted a synchronised battlefield scenario, featuring the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, Destroyer INS Visakhapatnam, and a remotely piloted aircraft. These platforms illustrated the synergy between the services and India’s vision of achieving self-reliance in defence.
The Indian Navy reaffirmed its crucial role as a guardian of India’s maritime frontiers. With over 133 ships and submarines built and commissione domestically, the Navy continues to play a central role in advancing Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing.
Out of the 64 warships planned for induction, 63 are being built in India. The Navy also has 62 additional ships and submarines in the final stages of approval. This reflects the Navy’s unwavering commitment to indigenizing weapons, sensors, and equipment to strengthen India’s defence ecosystem.
India’s Republic Day celebrations underscored the nation’s growing maritime power and its continued pursuit of self-reliance in defence.
