India Celebrates Republic Day with Naval Showcase

India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with a grand parade on Kartavya Path, highlighting the nation’s strength, self-reliance, and rich cultural heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the festivities by paying tribute at the National War Memorial. This was followed by a solemn 21 Gun Salute and the unfurling of the National Flag. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended as the Chief Guest, symbolizing India’s historic ties with Indonesia.

Naval Contingent and Indigenous Warships

The parade featured a Naval Contingent of 144 personnel, marching in unison to represent the Indian Navy as a combat-ready and cohesive force. Led by Lt Cdr Sahil Ahluwalia, the contingent included notable Platoon Commanders such as Lt Cdr Indresh Choudhary and Lt Cdr Kajal Anil Bharani. As they approached the saluting dais, the Indian Navy’s renowned brass band played the patriotic tune “Jai Bharti,” marking a historic moment with the inclusion of six women musicians for the first time.

Following the marching contingent was the Indian Naval Tableau, which advocated for a strong and self-reliant Navy. It showcased newly commissioned indigenous frontline battleships, including Destroyer INS Surat, Frigate INS Nilgiri, and Submarine INS Vagsheer. These vessels were commissioned by Prime Minister Modi on January 15, 2025, in Mumbai, demonstrating India’s rapid advancements in indigenous ship design and construction.

The tableau emphasized the Navy’s commitment to building a robust defense ecosystem to protect India’s maritime interests. Commanded by Lt Cdr Mamta and Lt Vipul Singh Gahlaut, it highlighted the Navy’s role in national growth and prosperity. Additionally, a tri-services tableau made its debut, symbolizing joint operations among the armed forces. The tableau, themed “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat,” showcased a Joint Operations Room and featured key military assets like the Arjun Main Battle Tank and Tejas MKII fighter aircraft.

As a guardian of India’s maritime frontiers, the Indian Navy reaffirmed its critical role in the nation’s strategic strength. With over 133 ships and submarines built domestically, the Navy is pivotal in advancing Aatmanirbharta in defense manufacturing. Currently, 63 of the 64 planned warships are being constructed in India, with approvals for an additional 62 ships and submarines nearing completion. The Navy’s focus on indigenizing weapons and equipment underscores its commitment to national self-reliance.

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