New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s tableau for the Republic Day Parade 2026 will be themed ‘Strong Navy for a Strong Nation’ and depict several ships, including aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the 5th Century stitched ship, now named INSV Kaundinya, an official said.
The tableau will also showcase Gurab class ships of the Maratha Navy, and frontline indigenous platforms including Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigates INS Himgiri and INS Udayagiri, a Kalvari-class submarine, and the GSAT-7R (Project Rohini) communication satellite, said Contingent Commander Lt Karan Nagyal.
Vice Admiral Praveen Nair, Controller Personnel Services, said that the Navy’s participation in the Republic Day Parade is not merely a display of military capability, but also reflects its resolve to advance “Aatmanirbharta”.
The Navy’s marching contingent will comprise 144 young naval personnel marching shoulder to shoulder on the historic Kartavya Path, symbolising the Navy as a progressive and strong maritime force, said Lt Karan Nagyal.
“The contingent represents a mini-India, with sailors drawn from various States and Union Territories. With an average age of 25 years, the personnel have been carefully selected from across the Indian Navy and have undergone specialised training of over two months for the parade,” he said.
The contingent will be led by Lt Karan Nagyal as Contingent Commander, with Lt Pawan Kumar Gandi, Lt Priti Kumari, and Lt Varun Dreveriya serving as Platoon Commanders.
The Indian Navy Band, comprising 80 musicians, will be led by M Antony Raj, MCPO Musician First Class. During the Beating Retreat Ceremony on January 29, 2026, the band will present compositions and arrangements of soul-stirring and foot-tapping tunes, accompanied by an impressive display of varied formations. The band includes six women Agniveer musicians.
A Defence Ministry official said the Indian Air Force will hold its Republic Day Parade Press Preview on January 22, 2026, followed by the Indian Army on January 23.
(IANS)
