Republic Day Parade Commander Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar Exclusive: Operation Sindoor on Display - Watch

India’s 77th Republic Day parade will showcase a glimpse of Operation Sindoor, highlighting the country’s growing military strength, modern warfare capabilities and cultural heritage. Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, who will lead the parade on Kartavya Path for the third time, said the event will reflect the transformation of India’s armed forces and the emergence of “New India” as a militarily capable nation. Speaking to Times Now Navbharat, he said it was a matter of pride to command the Republic Day parade again, an opportunity few officers receive.The parade will feature battle formations, T-90 and Arjun tanks, hypersonic missiles, modern drones and new equipment used by special forces. Lieutenant General Kumar said the central theme

would be the decisive victory achieved by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor, adding that the impact of that success would be visible throughout the parade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gobPkfWPCd0

He said the display would also demonstrate how India’s armed forces have embraced new-generation equipment, advanced technology, modern practices and updated combat tactics. Tableaux linked to Operation Sindoor will be part of the parade, including displays by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and the Army. These will feature elements such as an Integrated Operations Centre, offering a glimpse into how the 87–88 hour-long operation was conducted through fully integrated action to secure a decisive outcome.This year’s Republic Day parade will have two chief guests representing the European Union. Lieutenant General Kumar said India shares strong relations with the EU and its member nations, and their presence at the parade is an honour. While there will be no marching contingent from the EU, officers will participate as flag bearers, carrying the European Union flag as well as flags of the European Union Military Staff and European Union Naval Forces, reflecting their roles in maritime security, including freedom of navigation and anti-piracy operations.The parade will also highlight India’s air power, with 29 aircraft set to demonstrate aerial capability. These will include fighter jets, transport aircraft, special mission aircraft and attack helicopters. Lieutenant General Kumar said the display would underline how modern warfare requires joint and integrated operations by the Army, Navy and Air Force.Beyond military strength, cultural heritage will play a prominent role. This year marks the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram,” written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Marching bands and contingents will play its tunes, and around 250 cultural artists will herald the start of the parade with the iconic melody, presenting a blend of India’s cultural diversity and military might.