The Sikh Regiment’s double salute during India’s Republic Day parade is a moment of quiet pride, a blend of military protocol and deep-rooted faith. As the soldiers march from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort, their second salute towards Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk is a poignant tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom, showcasing the regiment’s unwavering commitment to both nation and faith.
As the Sikh Regiment marches from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort, they offer a salute to the President of India and, in a departure from the norm, towards Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk. This double salute is a tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who was martyred in Delhi. The practice began on January 24, 1979.
The Sikh Regiment’s unique tradition has become an integral part of India’s Republic Day celebrations, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity and the values of courage, sacrifice and devotion that define its soldiers.
The 77th Republic Day celebrations showcased India’s military prowess, with missiles, warplanes and newly raised units on display. European leaders, including President Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, graced the occasion, highlighting India’s growing global influence.
Chandigarh, Updated At : 09:22 AM Jan 26, 2026 IST
Lt Gen Puneet Ahuja
Lieutenant General Puneet Ahuja, Chief of Staff (CoS) Western Command, has been conferred the Ati Vashisht Seva Medal for distinguished service, on the eve of the Republic Day, 2026.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the Brigade of The Guards and was served as the Major General General Staff (Operations), Western Command, during Operation Sindoor last year. He assumed the appointment of CoS in October 2025 on promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General.
An officer from Mohali, Major Arshdeep Singh Gill, has been awarded Kirti Chakra for gallantry on the eve of the Republic Day, for his role in operations in the northeast.
Serving with the First Battalion of the Assam Rifles, Maj Gill was leading a special patrol along Indo-Myanmar border in May 2025 to protect workers engaged in the construction of the border fence, when it came under sudden fire from a dominating height.
According to available details, he fearlessly executed a counter-ambush operation and assaulted the enemy position through dense undergrowth. Despite intense enemy fire, he neutralised multiple armed cadres, including one armed with an RPG launcher. He ensured zero casualties to own troops through exceptional leadership, gallantry and resolve.
The Kirti Chakra is the second highest peacetime award for gallantry. This year, there are only two recipients of the award, the other being Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba of the 2nd Battalion of The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
A first-generation officer, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in June 2016 after passing out from the IMA. He is an alumnus of Chandigarh University and had earlier represented Punjab in hockey in the National Games from 2006 to 20210, according to family sources.
he Indian Air Force presented a stupendous fly-past as the 77th Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya Path in the national capital came to a close on Monday. 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.
The formation comprising one C-130 ac in lead with two C-295 ac in echelon would fly in ‘Vic’ Formation. In the Vic Formation, the aircraft create a single V-shape. In Vic, all planes that belong to one V-shape fly at the same altitude. Those ‘on the wings’ use their leaders’ horizontal stabilizer as a reference point, keeping their own wings on about the same line as the stabilizer they are looking at.
The formation consisting of Six Rafale aircraft flew in ‘Vajraang’ Formation. The ‘Vajraang’ Formation is a specialised, high-precision aerial display that demonstrates air power and strategic capability. It is characterised by its dynamic, tight formation, representing strength and operational readiness.
The formation comprising one P-8i aircraft and Two Su-30 in echelon flew in ‘Vic’ Formation.
One Rafale flying in at 900 kmph behind the Trishul formation, maintaining 300m above ground level, over the water channel North of Rajpath. Approaching the Dais, the aircraft pulled up for a Vertical Charlie leaving spectators spellbound.
During the “Vertical Charlie” the aircraft flew low and fast, pulled up into a vertical climb and performed multiple rolls showcasing incredible thrust, power, and pilot skill.
The Indian Air Force remains fully committed to enhancing India’s aerospace power while demonstrating exceptional operational capability during Operation Sindoor.
The operation highlighted the IAF’s ability to decisively shape military outcomes with speed and precision. Guided by the principle of ‘Train Like We Fight’, the Air Force strengthened inter-service cooperation, ensured rapid integration of new systems and weapons, and sustained high operational readiness through robust logistics, maintenance and indigenisation initiatives.
Earlier, the Air Force showcased a special Sindoor formation comprising 2 Rafale, 2 MiG-29, 02 Su-30 and 01 Jaguar in ‘Spearhead’ formation, dedicated to the IAF’s role in Operation Sindoor, the four-day confrontation in early May following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
On the ground, a 72-member ensemble, notably including Agniveer women musicians, performed the tune “Sound Barrier”. The Air Force marching contingent, led by Sqn Ldr Jagdesh Kumar, marched in a 12×12 formation. The IAF band consisted of 72 musicians, which included 57 Agniveer men and nine Women Agniveers (being introduced for the first time) and three drum majors led by Sergeant Charles Anthony Daniel.
The band played the tune ‘Sound Barrier’ as it crossed the Presidential dais. The IAF marching contingent comprised four officers (One Contingent Commander and three supernumerary officers) and 144 Airmen.
The Contingent was led by Sqn Ldr Jagdesh Kumar with Sqn Ldr Nikita Choudhery, Flt Lt Prakhar Chandrakar and Flt Lt Dinesh as supernumerary officers. The Air Force Contingent marched abreast in a 12 by 12 formation to the tunes played by the IAF band.
Newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion and Shaktiban Regiment, rocket launcher system ‘Suryastra’ with deep-strike capabilities, and key military assets, including indigenous platforms accompanied with personnel, rolling down the Kartavya Path in a “phased battle array formation” — the 77th Republic Day Parade saw many firsts.
Double-humped Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies were also part of the ceremonial event for the first time, adding an element of curiosity and excitement among the crowds.dvertisement
Also, marking a first, the contingent members of the mounted 61 Cavalry were seen in battle gear during the parade.Advertisement
The 61 Cavalry, known for its imposing presence as its members wear ceremonial uniform and a striking headgear, has traditionally been the leading contingent of the armed forces in the ceremonial parade.
Capt Ahaan Kumar, 26, a third-generation officer, who led the iconic contingent, an honour he had in the 2025 parade as well, returned to Kartvaya Path, along with his charger ‘Ranveer’, a Hanoverian breed, as the contingent commander thus year as well, albeit in a combat gear.iew More
“For me, leading this historic contingent in a ceremonial uniform gives much greater joy than I had doing it in a combat gear, but yes, it felt very different in this year’s parade,” he told PTI, after the parade.
The Republic Day Parade also saw many other firsts this time.
A mixed scouts contingent seen in their heavy thermal gear in an operational role, were also part of the parade for the first time, the officials said.
For Lt Amit Choudhary, a second-generation army officer, who led this contingent in the parade, it was both a personal milestone and a nostalgic nod to his father who was part of the ceremonial parade in 1990.
Dressed up in characteristic multi-layer suits teamed with special boots and polarised sunglasses meant for high terrain and harsh weather, he and his contingent members drew loud cheers from the crowd, as they marched along the Kartavya Path.
The young officer, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, is currently serving in 2 Arunachal Scouts of the Assam Regiment.
The mixed scouts contingent had members drawn from Ladakh Scouts, Dogra Scouts, Arunachal Scouts, Kumaon Scouts, Garhwal Scouts, and Sikkim Scouts.
The parade also saw the debut of the Shaktiban Regiment, which has been set up in the artillery, to boost the Army’s firepower capabilities.
The newly raised regiment would be equipped with a drone, counter-drone and loiter munition.
Bhairav light commando battalion had also made its Army Day Parade debut on January 15 in Jaipur. The battalion was raised around October last year.
A Bhairav Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry regiment took part in the January 26 parade in the national capital.
Bhairav Battalion is a specialised assault infantry unit, bridging the capabilities of conventional infantry and special forces.
“Designed for rapid response and high-intensity operations, it serves as the first responder on the battlefield,” a defence ministry official said.
They embody the ethos of ‘Sant Sipahi’, fierce in battle yet spiritually composed.
The name ‘Bhairav’, inspired by the fierce and protective manifestations of Lord Shiva, symbolises “controlled aggression, invincibility and righteous power,” the official said.
Other key defence assets showcased during the parade included BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, and a static display of some drones.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased its Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM), a hypersonic glide missile capable of engaging static and moving targets, designed to carry various payloads.
Captain Harshita Raghav, who led the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent, said the contingent also included raptors (kites) and a few Army dogs.
“These animals are soldiers of the Indian Army only. In fact, they are the silent warriors, making them operationally ready, and understanding the requirements of operations from these animals are two very important aspects. They are true force multipliers of the Indian Army,” she told PTI.
Eighteen marching contingents and 13 bands took part in the parade that lasted around 90 minutes.
The dominant theme of this year’s parade was 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.
