New Delhi: India celebrated 77th Republic Day on Monday (January 26) with a display of military might and cultural diversity. The event was attended by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as chief guests.President Droupadi Murmu took the salute, accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi.Thirty tableaux, including 17 from states and Union Territories and 13 from ministries and departments, marched down Kartavya Path, highlighting 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and India’s progress.The event featured an array of indigenous military platforms, including BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, the Main Battle Tank Arjun, and the rocket launcher ‘Suryastra’. A tri-services tableau highlighted the Indian military’s Operation Sindoor, with replicas of major weapon systems on display.The parade also showcased the Indian Army’s ‘Battle Array Format’, including its aerial component, with the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and Rudra in Prahar formation. The Indian Navy and Air Force contingents marched past, featuring indigenous platforms like INS Vikrant and Rafale jets.The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased its hypersonic glide missile LR-AShM, capable of engaging static and moving targets. The event concluded with a thrilling fly-past by 29 aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters, in formations like ‘Arjan’ and ‘Vijay’.