Republic Day Parade to Showcase Battle Preparedness, Operation Sindoor, Drop VIP Culture

• The Republic Day Parade will highlight India's battle preparedness and military operations, with 'Operation Sindoor' as the central theme.
• Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated the parade aims to be more interactive, demonstrating modern battle progression from reconnaissance to air power integration.
• Key features include the Indian Army's phased Battle Array with live commentary, an aerial battle array, and animal contingents like Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels.
• The parade will mark 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' as a central theme, with 2,500 artists performing a mega cultural show.
• European Union leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will be chief guests; VIP culture is dropped with enclosures named after Indian rivers.

Why It Matters: Republic Day Parade 2026 will be interactive, showcasing military might, celebrating Vande Mataram, and ending VIP culture.