New Delhi, Jan 26: The Bhairav light commando battalion, raised in October 2025, marked its first public appearance during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, reflecting the Indian Army’s evolving combat doctrine and future-ready force structure.

Alongside this debut, the Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) ‘Suryastra’ was also showcased for the first time at the ceremonial parade.

The 4 BHAIRAV Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment has been raised to bridge the operational gap between conventional infantry units and special forces, strengthening India’s capability for swift, agile and high-intensity combat missions.

At the same time, Suryastra was presented as India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre long-range rocket launcher system, engineered to deliver precision surface-to-surface strikes at extended ranges of 150 kilometres and 300 kilometres.

Unlike traditional rocket artillery platforms, Suryastra is designed as a universal launcher capable of integrating multiple rocket and missile variants on a single platform, offering enhanced operational flexibility and adaptability in diverse combat scenarios.

The induction and display of the Suryastra rocket system highlighted a significant leap in the modernisation of India’s rocket artillery capabilities, underscoring the focus on indigenous development and long-range precision firepower.

A mixed scouts contingent, wearing heavy thermal combat gear, also made its maiden appearance at the Republic Day parade. Led by Lieutenant Amit Choudhary of the 2 Arunachal Scouts, the contingent marched down Kartavya Path, symbolising India’s elite infantry units specialised in high-altitude surveillance and frontier reconnaissance roles.

The mounted contingent of the 61 Cavalry, clad in battle gear, along with key Army assets and indigenous platforms, accompanied by personnel, also rolled down Kartavya Path for the first time in a ‘phased battle array formation’.

Under this phased battle array concept, forces advanced along the ceremonial boulevard in a manner replicating real battlefield movement, beginning with reconnaissance elements and followed by logistics units and personnel accompanying combat platforms, all seen in operational battle gear.

The 61 Cavalry, known for traditionally leading the armed forces’ parade each year in ceremonial uniform and distinctive headgear, appeared this time in combat attire, marking a departure from tradition and reinforcing the operational theme of the parade.

The Republic Day celebrations commenced with a cultural performance by 100 artists, setting the tone for the parade around the theme “Vishwaguru Bharat – Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the celebrations by unfurling the National Flag and leading the nation in marking the historic occasion.

The unfurling of the Tricolour was followed by the playing of the National Anthem and a thunderous 21-gun salute, executed using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen witnessed the celebrations as Chief Guests, adding global significance to the Republic Day event.

New Delhi, Jan 26: Artefacts and culture of Jammu and Kashmir came alive on the Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi.

Celebrating the splendour of traditional arts, the tableau of the Union territory displayed the gleaming samavaar with intricate metal engraving, exquisitely woven Kani shawls rich with symbolic patterns, hand-knotted carpets rising from looms in geometric harmony and carved walnut-wood artefacts.

Papier mache creations glowed with vibrant colours, while Pahari miniature paintings, especially the expressive Basohli style, reflected refined aesthetics shaped by centuries of devotion. The crafts stood as tributes to the artisans, whose skill and patience sustain living traditions.

Saffron blossoms were also shown on the tableau, purple flowers and crimson strands symbolising a timeless identity rooted in land, labour, and heritage.

The display was accompanied by a harmonious fusion of rabab, santoor and flute, creating a resonant soundscape, while performers in vibrant attire brought the space alive through folk dances.

The graceful Rouf, the powerful Kud, and the spirited traditions of Pahari, Bhadarwahi, and Gojri dances reflect the cultural diversity, joy, and collective spirit of the region.

New Delhi, Jan 26: As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day, featuring an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of Vande Mataram, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa are the Chief Guests as India marks its celebrations.

The European leaders are on a State visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from January 25-27.

European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa

President of the European Council, Antonio Costa was born in Lisbon in 1961 and is a leading Portuguese political figure, recognised for his commitment to dialogue, political stability and sustainable development.

Interestingly, he comes from a family with Portuguese, Indian and Mozambican roots, and grew up in a multicultural environment that shaped his political vision based on openness, respect, and international cooperation.

A law graduate from the University of Lisbon, Antonio Costa entered politics at an early age.
He joined the Portuguese Socialist Party and gradually climbed the ranks, holding several key positions in the Portuguese government.

His career has been marked by pragmatic governance and a deep commitment to social justice and democracy.

He became the Prime Minister of Portugal in 2015, and had previously held several strategic portfolios like Minister for Parliamentary Affairs (1997-1999), Minister for Justice (1999-2002), Member and Vice-President of the European Parliament (2004-2005), Minister of State and Minister for the Interior (2005-2007) and Mayor of Lisbon (2007-2015).

Costa held the position of the Prime Minister for nine years and under his leadership, Portugal experienced a period of stable economic growth, sound public finance, reduced unemployment and increased investment in renewable energy.

His leadership and ability to foster dialogue and compromise among EU member states led to his appointment as President of the European Council in December 2024.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen was born in 1958. A medical doctor by training, she has dedicated the last 20 years of her life to public service. She first became involved in politics at the local and the regional level. From 2005 to 2019, she was federal minister in charge of family and youth, then labour, and defence in her home country Germany.

She took the helm of the European Commission in 2019 and was re-elected for second term in July 2024. In this second mandate, she is working for a more competitive and independent Europe that defends democracy, protects its people, and takes more responsibility for its defence and security in a changing world.

For the 77th Republic Day, Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial, has been elaborately decorated to showcase India’s remarkable journey. The

celebrations will feature an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, the country’s unprecedented developmental progress, robust military strength, vibrant cultural diversity, and active participation from citizens across all walks of life.

The parade will feature the European Union (EU) contingent, which will comprise four Flag Bearers on three gypsies. They will be seen carrying four flags – the flag of the EU, the most recognisable symbol of the European Union; the flag of the European Union Military Staff; the flag of EU Naval Force Atalanta; and the flag of EU Naval Force Aspides.

A total of 30 tableaux – 17 of States/Union Territories and 13 of Ministries/Departments/Services – will roll down with a broad theme of ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The tableaux will showcase a unique mix of 150 years of national song Vande Mataram and the nation’s rapid progress on the back of the growing self-reliance across sectors, dipped in its rich and vibrant cultural diversity.

Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said that the visit of European leaders comes at a critical time as the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be signed after being in talks for 20-odd years.

EU Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic said on Sunday that India and the European Union (EU) are nearing the conclusion of the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.

In a significant move to bolster ties between two of the world’s largest democracies, the European Union (EU) and India are set to unveil a “Security and Defence Strategic Partnership” and are closing in on a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during the upcoming summit, EU official confirmed.

Terming the current period as a “culmination of remarkable intensifying relations,” the official noted that both sides now recognize that their security and prosperity are fundamentally linked in a shifting global landscape.

A key deliverable of the summit will be the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership by the EU’s HRVP Kaja Kallas and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This marks only the third such comprehensive agreement the EU has signed in Asia, following Japan and the Republic of Korea.
President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said yestrday that Europe and India have chosen strategic partnership, dialogue and openness.

Von der Leyen said that India and Europe are building mutual resilience.

Earlier in Davos, von der Leyen stated the European Union is close to finalising a Free Trade Agreement with India and noted that some describe it “the mother of all deals”.
Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, she stressed Europe’s intent to expand trade and international cooperation.

She also referred to the scale of the proposed trade deal with India.

“There is still work to do. But we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement. Some call it the mother of all deals. One that would create a market of 2 billion people, accounting for almost a quarter of global GDP,” von der Leyen said.

New Delhi, Jan 26: Delhi Police has placed the national capital under an extensive security blanket ahead of Republic Day, deploying more than 30,000 personnel across the city as part of a multi-tier security arrangement, officials said.

Nearly 10,000 police personnel have been stationed in the New Delhi district alone, which houses the ceremonial parade route and several high-security installations.

Additional Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahala said elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the celebrations.

To ensure the safety and security of the Republic Day festivities, around 10,000 police officers are stationed in the New Delhi region. Checkpoints, barricades, and all standard operating protocols have been established.

He added that all officers and staff have been briefed in detail about deployment plans, location-specific duties and emergency response measures. Rehearsals and drills have already been conducted to ensure readiness.

Mahala said that over 3,000 CCTV cameras with advanced video analytics and Facial Recognition System (FRS) capabilities have been installed throughout the New Delhi area, including along the parade route and nearby locations.

According to him, the live footage from these cameras is being monitored round the clock through more than 30 control rooms, which are being operated by nearly 150 trained personnel.

Police personnel deployed on the ground are also equipped with AI-enabled glasses integrated with facial recognition and video analytics technology.

“These AI glasses, manufactured in India, are linked in real-time to police databases containing information on criminals, suspects, and proclaimed offenders. If a face matches in a crowded place, it can be identified instantly, enabling swift intervention,” Mahala said.

Officials said the security framework includes multiple layers of barricading, rigorous checking and frisking at all designated entry points, and strict access control along the parade route and adjoining areas.

To further enhance surveillance and mobility, mobile monitoring vehicles equipped with FRS technology have been strategically positioned across the city.

Sniper teams have also been deployed on thousands of rooftops in New Delhi, North Delhi and Central Delhi districts as part of the heightened alert.

Deputy commissioners of police have carried out detailed route inspections and anti-sabotage checks, while security has been intensified in crowded areas such as markets, bus terminals, metro stations and railway stations across Delhi.

Police are also conducting tenant and domestic help verification drives as part of the overall security exercise.

An officer said coordination meetings have been held with police forces of neighbouring states to ensure seamless intelligence sharing, coordination and preparedness during the national event.

The Additional Commissioner of Police urged citizens to follow security advisories and avoid carrying prohibited items strictly.

He also said the seating enclosures have been named after rivers and advised visitors to be aware of their designated enclosure, approach road and entry gate to avoid inconvenience.