- 144 Sailors, Indigenous Warships, Ancient Maritime Legacy and Women Power to Define Navy’s R-Day Presence
- INSV Kaundinya to INS Vikrant: Tableau Traces India’s Maritime Journey from 5th Century to Future Fleet
- Naval Band, Sea Cadets and Agniveer Women Add Youthful Cadence to Beating the Retreat
- R-Day Preparations Reflect Jointness, Precision and ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’ Vision
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 20
As the nation prepares to celebrate Republic Day 2026, the Indian Navy on Monday unveiled the depth of its operational preparedness, indigenous strength and ceremonial precision during its Press Preview for the Republic Day Parade (RDP), held in the national capital.
The preview offered a comprehensive glimpse into the Navy’s marching contingent, tableau and naval band, all of which will take centre stage on Kartavya Path, projecting India’s maritime power, technological self-reliance and civilisational continuity.
‘A Combat-Ready, Cohesive Force’: Navy Sets the Tone
Briefing the media, Lt Karan Nagyal, Contingent Commander, said the Republic Day Parade remains a powerful national symbol.
“The Republic Day Parade is a spectacle of unity, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage, diversity, military prowess and technological advancements,” he said.
He added that the Navy’s participation aligns with its vision of being a “Combat Ready, Cohesive, Aatmanirbhar Force, safeguarding seas for a Viksit and Samridhha Bharat.”
Marching Contingent: Youth, Diversity and Precision
The Indian Navy’s marching contingent will comprise 144 young naval personnel, marching in perfect unison on Kartavya Path. With an average age of 25, the sailors represent a mini-India, drawn from multiple States and Union Territories.
The contingent has undergone over two months of specialised training and will be led by Lt Karan Nagyal, with Lt Pawan Kumar Gandi, Lt Priti Kumari and Lt Varun Dreveriya serving as Platoon Commanders.
Their synchronized drill symbolises a modern, disciplined and forward-looking maritime force.
Naval Tableau: ‘Anchored in Tradition, Sailing into Self-Reliance’
The Navy’s tableau for RDP 2026 offers a visually compelling narrative of India’s maritime evolution under the theme ‘A Strong Navy for a Strong Nation’.
Key elements include:
- A stitched ship from the 5th century CE, rechristened INSV Kaundinya
- Gurab-class ships of the Maratha Navy
- Indigenous frontline platforms such as INS Vikrant, Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigates INS Himgiri and INS Udayagiri, a Kalvari-class submarine, and the GSAT-7R (Project Rohini) naval communication satellite
The tableau also traces the circumnavigation route of INSV Tarini, undertaken during Navika Sagar Parikrama-II, highlighting women-led maritime excellence.
The tableau has been conceptualised by Cdr Zubair Siddiqui and Lt Lekshmi K Ravi of the Warship Design Bureau, blending heritage with future combat capability.
Women Power, Cadets and Maritime Inspiration
Vice Admiral Praveen Nair, Controller Personnel Services, underlined the deeper message behind the Navy’s R-Day presentation.
“The Navy’s participation is not merely a display of military capability, but reflects its resolve to advance Aatmanirbharta,” he said.
He explained that the tableau draws from the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’, depicting India’s transition from ancient shipbuilding traditions to a future-ready indigenous force.
Highlighting Mahila Sashaktikaran in action, he pointed to the portrayal of Lt Cdr Dilna and Lt Cdr Roopa, who led the INSV Tarini expedition, along with the participation of young girls from the Sea Cadets Corps, returning to the RDP after their last appearance in the 1980s.
Naval Band and Beating the Retreat
The Indian Navy Band, comprising 80 musicians, will be led by M Antony Raj, MCPO Musician First Class. During the Beating the Retreat Ceremony on January 29, the band will perform soul-stirring and foot-tapping compositions, accompanied by intricate formations.
The band includes six women Agniveer musicians, reinforcing the Navy’s inclusive and progressive ethos.
R-Day Previews Highlight Jointness of Armed Forces
Vijay Kumar, Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence, said the Navy’s preview marked the beginning of a series of press interactions.
“The Republic Day Parade Press Previews have commenced with the Indian Navy and will continue over the next few days,” he said.
He added that the Indian Air Force preview will follow, with other departments on January 22, and the Indian Army on January 23, allowing media and citizens to appreciate the joint planning, coordination and seamless integration among the Services.
“The Republic Day Parade is a national endeavour that showcases readiness, professionalism and unity of purpose,” he noted.
