Overview
- The Defence Ministry outlined a 90-minute, narrative-driven parade on January 26 that will present a phased battle array with live commentary to explain how operations progress, reflecting public interest in Operation Sindoor.
- Newly raised Bhairav light commando units and Shaktibaan artillery elements will debut alongside Drone Shakti and a universal rocket launcher, with displays of BrahMos, Akash, T-90, Arjun, ATAGS, Dhanush, BMP-II, and multiple IAF platforms.
- The celebrations mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, featuring a large cultural performance of about 2,500 artists and 30 tableaux, plus Kartavya Path backdrops displaying Tejendra Kumar Mitra’s paintings.
- In a move to curb VIP culture, parade enclosures are named after Indian rivers and Beating Retreat seating after musical instruments, with broader public access through low-priced tickets and QR-code entry via the Rashtraparv portal and app.
- European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be chief guests, and a European naval contingent will participate in the parade for the first time.