ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
India’s Republic Day parade on New Delhi's iconic Rajpath is often hailed as a stunning display of the country's military might, lavish floats depicting its rich cultural history and diversity, music and dance performances, as well as dare-devilish feats on motorcycles. But in tune with changing times, this year's parade is set to witness some first-ever inclusions and some notable exceptions.
French contingent—first-ever foreign participation
Yes, ever since India got its independence in 1947, this will be the first-time a foreign contingent—the 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade of the French Army—will march down the Rajpath. Notably, French President Francois Hollande is the chief guest for this year's celebrations. The Regiment traces its history back to 1604 when it was raised for the first time in Lorraine.
India's gesture is in response to France's initiative of inviting one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army—the Maratha Light Infantry—to participate in the Bastille Day celebrations in 2009 where it marched down the Champs Elysee in Paris with the French army.
Indian Army dog squad
Thirty-six dogs of the Indian army's canine unit will also form part of this year's R-Day parade after a gap of 26 years. This includes 24 Labradors and 12 German Shepherds, all belonging to the Meerut-based Remont and Veterinary Corps centre.
All-women stunt contingent
For the first-time ever, Women Daredevils CRPF—created in 2014—and comprising 120 women from the CRPF's three women battalions and Rapid Action Force will perform tandem motorcycle riding skills and stunts at the parade.
No camel contingent
In non-inclusions, for the first time in the history of the India's Republic Day, the iconic Border Security Forces camel contingent will not be a part of celebrations. It comprises a 54-member mounted contingent showcasing BSF border guards with weapons riding camels, followed by a 36-member band in multi-colour dresses on the back of camels playing martial music.
Non-inclusion of paramilitary forces such as ITBP, CISF and SSB
A notable exception this year will be the contingents of paramilitary forces including the Central Reserve Police Force, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and the Sashastra Seema Bal.
Half-an-hour less to almost 90 minutes
Less parade contingents would mean that the duration of the parade will be shorter this year by almost 30 minutes. Past parades have clocked between 115 to 120 minutes consistently.
India’s Republic Day parade on New Delhi's iconic Rajpath is often hailed as a stunning display of the country's military might, lavish floats depicting its rich cultural history and diversity, music and dance performances, as well as dare-devilish feats on motorcycles. But in tune with changing...
India’s Republic Day parade on New Delhi's iconic Rajpath is often hailed as a stunning display of the country's military might, lavish floats depicting its rich cultural history and diversity, music and dance performances, as well as dare-devilish feats on motorcycles. But in tune with changing times, this year's parade is set to witness some first-ever inclusions and some notable exceptions.
French contingent—first-ever foreign participation
Yes, ever since India got its independence in 1947, this will be the first-time a foreign contingent—the 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade of the French Army—will march down the Rajpath. Notably, French President Francois Hollande is the chief guest for this year's celebrations. The Regiment traces its history back to 1604 when it was raised for the first time in Lorraine.
India's gesture is in response to France's initiative of inviting one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army—the Maratha Light Infantry—to participate in the Bastille Day celebrations in 2009 where it marched down the Champs Elysee in Paris with the French army.
Indian Army dog squad
Thirty-six dogs of the Indian army's canine unit will also form part of this year's R-Day parade after a gap of 26 years. This includes 24 Labradors and 12 German Shepherds, all belonging to the Meerut-based Remont and Veterinary Corps centre.
All-women stunt contingent
For the first-time ever, Women Daredevils CRPF—created in 2014—and comprising 120 women from the CRPF's three women battalions and Rapid Action Force will perform tandem motorcycle riding skills and stunts at the parade.
No camel contingent
In non-inclusions, for the first time in the history of the India's Republic Day, the iconic Border Security Forces camel contingent will not be a part of celebrations. It comprises a 54-member mounted contingent showcasing BSF border guards with weapons riding camels, followed by a 36-member band in multi-colour dresses on the back of camels playing martial music.
Non-inclusion of paramilitary forces such as ITBP, CISF and SSB
A notable exception this year will be the contingents of paramilitary forces including the Central Reserve Police Force, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and the Sashastra Seema Bal.
Half-an-hour less to almost 90 minutes
Less parade contingents would mean that the duration of the parade will be shorter this year by almost 30 minutes. Past parades have clocked between 115 to 120 minutes consistently.
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