INSV Kaundinya To INSV Tarini’s Route: All That Navy’s Republic Day Parade 2026 Tableau, Contingent Would Showcase

This year’s Republic Day Parade 2026 is sure to be a visual spectacle, with as many as 30 vibrant tableaux from states, Union Territories and central ministries rolling past the saluting dais, marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, which has been decided as the theme of the 77^th Republic Day celebrations.

Adding to exuberance, Indian Navy’s tableau is bound to stand out with the depiction of INSV Kaundinya, ‘Gurab’ class ships from Maratha Navy, along with other frontline indigenous assets. At the same time, the Navy’s marching contingent this year will comprise 144 young naval personnel marching shoulder to shoulder on the historic Kartavya Path.

The Republic Day Parade is a spectacle of unity, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage, diversity, military prowess and technological advancements. In keeping with Indian Navy’s vision of being a ‘Combat Ready, Cohesive, Aatmanirbhar Force, safeguarding Seas for a Viksit and Samridhha Bharat’, all participating elements would be showcasing unwavering commitment to National Security, said Contingent Commander Lieutenant Karan Nagyal.

Indian Navy’s Republic Day Parade 2026 tableau: What to expect

Last month, the Indian Navy had flagged off meticulously recreated stitched ship – INSV Kaundinya – on its maiden voyage to Oman. Inspired by India’s ancient seafaring traditions, the Naval Sailing Vessel is set to feature as a big highlight of the Indian Navy tableau next week on January 26, 2026.

Designed by Cdr Zubair Siddiqui and Lt Lekshmi K Ravi from the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, Navy said that the tableau for 2026 would be a vivid depiction of the requirement for having a Strong Navy for a ‘Strong Nation’. Brace yourselves to witness stitched ship from 5th century CE (INSV Kaundinya), ‘Gurab’ class ships from Maratha Navy, frontline indigenous assets as part of the vivacious tableau.

Navy’s indigenous assets that would be featured include aircraft carrier INS Vikrant  P-17A Nilgiri Class Stealth Frigates, INS Himgiri & INS Udayagiri, Kalvari class submarine and GSAT-7R (Project Rohini) Communication Satellite. The tableau also includes a depiction of the circumnavigation route followed by the crew of INSV Tarini as part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II project.

Navy tableau: Anchored in tradition, sailing into self-reliance

The tableau this year is themed, Anchored in Tradition, sailing into self-reliance and innovation, is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Samudra Se Samridhi’ and depicts two contemporary and relevant themes, shared VAdm Praveen Nair, Controller Personnel Services.

As part of ‘Samudra Utkarsh’ theme, ancient stitched ship INSV Kaundinya which has recently sailed from Porbandar to Muscat to revive a shared Maritime Heritage with the Sultanate of Oman, Maratha Navy Ship ‘Gurab’ both highlight early shipbuilding mastery, and the transition to a modern future ready force.

What’s even more striking and perhaps that would garner great attention of the audience is the addition of young girl cadets to the personnel on the tableau. These girl cadets are from the Sea Cadets Corps, an NGO which inculcates basic nautical skills to the youth in Mumbai, would be marching along the tableau. They had last participated in the RD Parade in the 1980s.

Navy’s Republic Day Parade 2026 contingent: A visual spectacle

As many as 144 Navy personnel, having an average age of just 25 years, would be seen marching in sync with eachother of the Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade 2026. Symbolising Indian Navy as a progressive and strong maritime force capable of defending India’s maritime interests, the naval contingent would be a representation of mini-India.

Personnels from across different states and Uts have been handpicked from all the branches of the Indian Navy and have undergone a specialised training of over two months to withstand the rigours of this event. Leading the contingent would be Lt Nagyal as Contingent Commander.

Joining him would be Lt Pawan Kumar Gandi, Lt Priti Kumari and Lt Varun Dreveriya as Platoon Commanders.

Indian Navy’s RPD 2026 naval band

Comprising 80 musicians, the Indian Navy Republic Day Parade 2026 band will be led by M Antony Raj, MCPO Musician First class. At Beating Retreat on January 29, 2026, this band’s performance will comprise compositions and arrangements of several soul stirring and foot tapping tunes accompanied by an impressive display of myriad formations.

The band includes six women agniveer musicians.

Republic Day Parade is a National endeavour, and while each Service and remaining other Departments & Organisations of MoD, have their own Press Previews on separate days, what you will see on Rajpath is the result of close coordination, joint planning, and seamless integration, underlined defence minister spokesperson Vijay Kumar.