Republic Day Parade 2026: Honoring 'Operation Sindoor'
This year's Republic Day Parade on January 26 is all about remembering "Operation Sindoor," the military mission launched after the tragic Pahalgam attack that took 26 lives.
The operation targeted terrorist bases across the border in Pakistan and PoK, making a strong statement against terrorism.
Why it matters
The parade will feature a dramatic "Sindoor Formation" flypast with Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, and MiG-29 jets as a nod to the operation's success.
The new Bhairav Battalion—250 elite commandos formed after the mission—will make its debut too.
In a move to ditch VIP culture, seating areas are now named after Indian rivers and musical instruments.
As Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh noted, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi commented on the battalion's formation.
This year's parade is as much about unity and inclusion as it is about military strength.