Republic Day 2026: United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has extended greetings on the occasion of Republic Day today on 26 January (Monday), noting that the US shares a “historic bond” with India and he looks forward to advancing shared objectives together.
India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day today, marking the anniversary of when the country's Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950 and officially established India as a Sovereign Democratic Republic.
Marco Rubio: ‘Heartfelt congratulations to people of India’ — Full text
In a press release from the US Department of State, Marco Rubio said: “On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of India on your Republic Day.”
“The United States and India share a historic bond. From our close cooperation on defense, energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies to our multi-layered engagement through the Quad, the US-India relationship delivers real results for our two countries and for the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.
Rubio said, “I look forward to working together to advance our shared objectives in the year ahead.”
R-Day celebrations: What time will the parade start?
The Republic Day parade will commence at 9.30 am and be broadcast on the state-run DoorDarshan (DD) channels, and Akashwani (All India Radio), besides the official YouTube channel, and run for around 90 minutes. On site the entry gates was opened at 7 am.
The ceremony will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the National War Memorial. Thereafter, PM Modi and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.
In two early morning posts in Hindi and English, Modi highlighted India's goal to move towards its “Viksit Bharat” resolve. “Heartiest Republic Day greetings to all my fellow citizens. May this grand national festival, a symbol of India's honour, pride, and glory, infuse new energy and enthusiasm into your lives. May the resolve for a Viksit Bharat grow even stronger—this is my heartfelt wish,” he wrote.
What is the theme of Republic Day parade this year?
Republic Day 2026 will celebrate the theme ‘150 years of Vande Mataram’ showcased through a total of 30 tableaux — 17 from states and Union Territories (UTs) and 13 from the various departments, ministries, and services.
Together the ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram and Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ display is expected to showcase India's “rich cultural heritage, military prowess, and technological advancements”. It is expected to be a “visual narrative of India's freedom movement, cultural diversity and progress towards self-reliance across sectors”, ranging from heritage crafts and folk traditions to innovation, defence preparedness and nation-building.
Republic Day 2026: Who is the chief guest?
As is tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will first visit to the National War Memorial, where he will lay a wreath and pay solemn tributes to fallen heroes and then proceed to the dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade. Ceremonies will begin with hoisting of the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem, and a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.
Chief guests for the Republic Day Parade 2026 are Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
The audience this year is expected to be around 10,000, including guests from all walks of life — farmers, scientists engaged in key national projects, heads of companies, and winners of World Athletic Para Championship among others.
Following the parade, ‘Bharat Parv’ will be organised at the Red Fort from January 26 to 31, showcasing Republic Day tableaux, regional cuisine, handicrafts, cultural performances and citizen engagement activities. Full Republic Day celebrations will conclude with the Prime Minister's NCC Rally at Cariappa Parade Ground on January 28.
