Showcasing new India’s Power on Republic Day 2024!

Every year on January 26th, India comes alive with a vibrant display of patriotism, culture, and military prowess during the Republic Day Parade. This spectacular celebration, which takes place in the heart of New Delhi, commemorates the day the Indian Constitution went into force in 1950, establishing the country’s status as a republic. Among the various elements of this celebration, the parade serves as a potent illustration of India’s might, diversity, and unity.

India’s defence budget increased from ₹593,538 crore (US$74 billion) in the previous year to ₹621,541 crore (US$78 billion) in the union budget for 2024–2025. This year’s defence budget accounts for 1.89% of the country’s projected gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024-25. India is ranked #4 in the world for military spending, just behind Russia. Thus, one of the most notable features of the Republic Day Parade is the impressive display of India’s military strength.

Leading the mechanized column was the 61 Cavalry, under the command of Major Yashdeep Ahlawat, who was the first Army contingent. After combining all of the “State Horsed Cavalry Units,” the 61 Cavalry was founded in 1953 and is currently the only operational horsed cavalry regiment in the world. 11 mechanized columns, 12 marching contingents, and an aerial demonstration by Army Aviation Corps’ Advanced Light Helicopters followed.

Amidst the primary attractions in the mechanized columns were the Tank T-90 Bhishma, NAG missile system, infantry combat vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, Pinaka, weapon finding radar system ‘Swathi’, Sarvatra mobile bridging system, drone-jammer system, and medium range surface-to-air missile system. The Army marching contingents consisted of nation’s most veteran infantry Madras Regiment, Grenadiers, Rajputana Rifles, Sikh Regiment and the Kumaon Regiment.

This time, the parade was dominated by women. Together with Sub Lt. Aashu Yadav, Flt Lt. Shrishti Verma, and Capt. Sharanya Rao, an all-female tri-service contingent gave the salute beside President Murmu, who is also the Supreme commander of the armed forces. Women Agniveers from all three military made up the contingent.

A paratrooper and eye surgeon, Major Srishti Khulla led the all-female marching contingent of the Armed Forces Medical Services. During the parade, the Swathi weapon finding radar and Pinaka rocket system show were led by Lieutenants Deepti Rana and Priyanka Sevda. They were among the ten female officers who were first commissioned into the Artillery last year.

This was the first time in the Delhi Police Force’s history that exclusively female members made up the marching contingent. 194 female head constables and constables headed the marching contingent, which included IPS officer Shweta K Sugathan, additional DCP (North District).

Another special feature this time was the display of 6 modern specialist vehicles, which included ‘Quick Reaction Force Vehicles Heavy and Medium, a Light Specialist vehicle, Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System, All-terrain vehicle and a Specialist Mobility Vehicle.

With Lt Prajwal M serving as the contingent commander and Lts. Mudita Goyal, Sharvani Supreiya, and Devika H leading their respective platoons, the Indian Navy contingent was made up of 144 men and women agniveers.

The Naval tableau, which portrayed the themes “Nari Shakti” and “Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenization,” came next. The Indian Navy’s female members in all roles and at all levels were featured in the first section of the tableau. While In the second, the firstever indigenous carrier battle group was shown, complete with the aircraft carrier Vikrant, her extremely competent escort ships Delhi, Kolkata, and Shivalik, the Kalvari class submarine, the advanced light helicopter and light combat aircraft, and Isro’s GSAT-7, Rukmani satellite.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) was made up of 144 airmen and 4 officers, led by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur. Behind the contingent commander, Squadron Leaders Sumita Yadav and Pratiti Ahluwalia, together with Flight Lieutenant Kirti Rohil, marched. The theme of the IAF tableau was ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Aatmanirbhar’. The tableau featured a C-295 transport plane being piloted by female aircrew in the cockpit, together with LCA Tejas and Su-30 aircraft flying above the IOR. The GSAT-7A satellite, which was placed on the tableau, highlighted how the IAF uses space technology in its operations. The display demonstrated how the IAF has paved the way in providing humanitarian relief both domestically and internationally.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) contingent was headed by assistant commandant Chunauti Sharma with Assistant Commandants Priya Dahiya, Hardik and Pallavi. The ICG can tackle threats at sea and in the air with to its fleet of 154 ships and 78 aircraft.

The Border Security Force marching contingent was led by assistant commandant Monika Lakra; Central Industrial Security Force by assistant commandant Tanmayee Mohanty; Central Reserve Police Force by assistant commandant Megha Nair; Indo-Tibetan Border Police by assistant commandant Moniya Sharma, Sashastra Seema Bal by deputy commandant Nancy Singla; and Delhi Police by additional deputy commissioner of police Shweta K Sugathan.

BSF camel contingent was led by Manohar Singh Kheechee, the deputy commandant. Female camel riders participated in the parade for the second time with their embellished camels. Several NCC contingents observed female representation. An all-girl tri-service marching contingent was present for the first time, led by Uttar Pradesh Directorate senior under officer Tanu Tevatia. The division of the National Service Scheme (NSS) consisted of 200 female volunteers. Ragina Tamang from Sikkim’s Regional Directorate of the NSS in Guwahati led it.

A tableau of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the direction of distinguished scientist and guided missile expert Sunita Jena, Women’s contributions to DRDO were emphasized in the defense research organization’s tableau in a number of ways, including light combat aircraft Tejas, anti-satellite missiles, and thirdgeneration guided missiles against tanks. At Shiv Shakti Point, the location of Isro’s lunar landing, the space agency unveiled Chandrayaan-3, one of its greatest achievements.

In its majestic display of military prowess, the Republic Day Parade not only celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage but also heralds the dawn of a new era – an era marked by an assertive and proactive approach on the global stage. As the world witnesses the precision drills, thunderous flypasts, and formidable weaponry on display, it becomes evident that India is no longer content with a passive role in international affairs. Instead, it is embracing its role as a rising power with confidence and determination.
The military segment of the parade serves as a powerful symbol of India’s newfound assertiveness. With state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained personnel, and strategic capabilities, the Indian Armed Forces send a clear message to the world: India is ready and willing to defend its interests, uphold its sovereignty, and safeguard peace and stability in the region.