Overview
- The parade at Kartavya Path, led by President Droupadi Murmu, highlighted the sesquicentenary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’.
- European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended as chief guests, with an EU military contingent participating for the first time outside Europe.
- The Indian Army unveiled a first-ever phased battle array, moving key assets in a realistic combat-style sequence.
- Operation Sindoor was showcased through a tri-services tableau and an Indian Air Force flypast that featured 29 aircraft in themed formations.
- Indigenous systems including BrahMos and Akash missiles, the Arjun tank and the Suryastra launcher were displayed, while a reported DRDO hypersonic anti-ship missile debut remains to be independently confirmed.