India's 2026 Republic Day Parade to Mark 150 Years of 'Vande Mataram' with EU Leaders as Guests

India's 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, will commemorate 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram' with a parade themed around its historical and cultural significance. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be chief guests. The event will feature a phased battle array format showcasing military capabilities, including the debut of the Bhairav light commando battalion, 30 tableaux highlighting cultural heritage and development, and enclosures named after Indian rivers to replace VIP labels.