What’s new this January 26? Special contingent of Indian Army to mark its debut, check details

Republic Day 2026 Parade: This year, the Indian Army’s animal contingent will participate for the first time.

Republic Day Parade 2026 will be a spectacular and unique celebration of India’s faunal diversity. For the first time, an animal contingent will participate in the 2026 parade. The contingent belongs to the Indian Army, which will showcase its valor in major military operations along the march on the Kartavya Road.

What will be the specialty of the Indian Army’s animal corps?

For the first time, a carefully selected animal contingent of the Indian Army’s Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) will be on display, highlighting the critical role animals play in protecting the country’s toughest borders.

Indian Army’s animal squad (Source: ANI)

The unit, which will include two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four predators, ten Indian breed Army dogs, as well as six traditional military dogs currently in service, will be a special attraction. In addition to the Republic Day tabloids, this will be a new addition to the Republic Day celebrations. Together, they represent a blend of tradition, innovation and self-reliance in the Indian Army’s operational ecosystem.

The group will be led by hardy Bactrian camels, recently deployed for operations in the cold deserts of Ladakh. Perfectly adapted to extreme cold, thin air, and altitudes over 15,000 feet, these camels can carry up to 250 kilograms of load and travel long distances with very little water and fodder. Their induction significantly increased logistics support and patrol capability along the Line of Actual Control on sandy terrain and steep slopes.

He will also be accompanied by Zanskar ponies, a rare and indigenous mountain breed of Ladakh. Despite their small size, these ponies are famous for their extraordinary endurance; They can carry 40 to 60 kilograms of weight over long distances at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet and temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. Since their induction in 2020, they have deployed in some of the most challenging terrain, including the Siachen Glacier. Beyond logistics, Zanskar ponies play an important role in mounted patrols; sometimes traveling up to 70 kilometers in a single day, standing shoulder to shoulder with soldiers in high-risk areas.

Reflecting the Army’s innovative use of natural capabilities for operational safety and effectiveness, four birds of prey used for bird attack control and surveillance will also add eagle-eyed attention to the formation.

A major highlight of the parade will be the Army Dogs, often referred to as the “Silent Warriors” of the Indian Army. Raised, trained and fed by the Remount & Veterinary Corps at RVC Center and College in Meerut, these dogs support troops in counter-terrorism operations, explosive and mine detection, tracking, protection, disaster response and search-and-rescue missions. For decades, Army dogs and their handlers have demonstrated extraordinary courage, earning valor awards and accolades for acts of bravery in combat and humanitarian operations.

How to book a ticket?

To watch the Republic Day Parade live, citizens need to book tickets in advance. To book advance tickets for the Republic Day Parade, it is necessary to check the official website of the government regularly. Last year, tickets for the Republic Day Parade were opened between January 2 and 11.

The official websites, rashtraparv.gov.in and aamantran.mod.gov.in, will show updates and booking links once the official announcement is made.