PM Modi lauds armed forces as IAF dazzles at 77th Republic Day parade

Prime Minister PM Narendra Modi on Monday praised Indiarsquos security forces and shared glimpses from the 77th Republic Day parade calling them the ldquopride of the nationrdquoIn a post on X PM Modi said the Republic Day parade reflected the strengthening capabilities of Indiarsquos armed forcesldquoThe Republic Day parade offered a glimpse into the strengthening capabilities of Indiarsquos security forces Our forces are truly our priderdquo he saidA vivid display of Indiarsquos cultural mosaic unfolded at Kartavya Path earlier today The Republic Day parade celebrated Indiarsquos cultural diversity with vibrant performances and tableaux pictwittercomSmyTgiUJcpmdash Narendra Modi narendramodi January 26 2026The Indian Air Force IAF put up a spectacular flying display at Kartavya Path featuring several formations including Operation Sindoor Arjan Varuna Vajraang and VijayA total of 29 aircraft took part in the flypast comprising 16 fighter jets four transport aircraft and nine helicopters operating from five different air bases news agency ANI reportedOne of the highlights was the lsquoVajraangrsquo formation flown by six Rafale fighter aircraft The highprecision formation showcased air power operational readiness and strategic capability through tight and dynamic manoeuvresRepublic Day 2026 PM Modi President Murmu lead nationwide celebrationsA Rafale aircraft also performed the lsquoVertical Charliersquo manoeuvre flying in at a speed of 900 kmph at an altitude of 300 metres above ground level over the water channel north of Rajpath As it approached the dais the aircraft pulled up sharply performing multiple rolls and demonstrating exceptional thrust power and pilot skill drawing applause from spectatorsThe IAF also showcased a special Sindoor formation comprising two Rafales two MiG29s two Su30s and one Jaguar in a spearhead formation The display was dedicated to the Air Forcersquos role in Operation Sindoor the fourday confrontation in early May following the April 22 terror attack in PahalgamThe operation underlined the IAFrsquos ability to decisively shape military outcomes through speed precision and seamless jointness Guided by the principle of lsquoTrain Like We Fightrsquo the Air Force strengthened interservice cooperation rapidly integrated new systems and weapons and maintained high operational readiness through robust logistics maintenance and indigenisation effortsRepublic Day celebrations were also held across the country In the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir Indian Army personnel unfurled the national flag to mark the occasion The Beating Retreat ceremony was also observed at the AttariWagah border in Amritsar PunjabEarlier in the day Prime Minister Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial at India Gate He was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh TripathiPresident Droupadi Murmu presided over the main Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path The President of the European Council Antonio Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attended the event as chief guestsPolice and paramilitary contingents also marched along Kartavya Path during the ceremonial parade highlighting the role of central forces in internal security and border managementIndia marked its 77th Republic Day on January 26 commemorating the adoption of the Constitution and showcasing the nationrsquos rich cultural and military heritageWith ANI inputs