In a historic first, the Republic Day parade of 2026 will witness a unique and powerful spectacle as a specially curated animal contingent from the Indian Army marches down Kartavya Path. This debut highlights the indispensable role these creatures play in military operations across India's most extreme and challenging terrains.
A Parade of Endurance and Sacrifice
According to reports from ANI, the contingent from the Army's Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) will showcase a blend of endurance, sacrifice, and the nation's unique high-altitude defence capabilities. The formation is a testament to the Indian Army's mix of tradition, innovation, and its growing focus on self-reliance.
The contingent will feature a diverse group of animals, each with specialized skills. It will include two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors, ten Indian-breed Army dogs, and six conventional military dogs currently in active service.
Specialized Forces for Extreme Frontiers
Leading the column will be the recently inducted Bactrian camels, deployed in the cold desert regions of Ladakh. These animals are uniquely adapted to freezing temperatures, low oxygen, and altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet. Their ability to carry loads up to 250 kg and travel long distances with minimal sustenance has significantly bolstered logistics and patrol capabilities along the Line of Actual Control, particularly in sandy and steep areas.
Marching alongside them will be the sturdy Zanskar ponies, an indigenous mountain breed from Ladakh. Despite their small stature, these ponies can carry between 40 to 60 kg in extreme altitudes where temperatures can plummet to minus 40 degrees Celsius. Inducted in 2020, they have proven invaluable in some of the toughest locations, including the Siachen Glacier, for logistics and mounted patrols over vast distances.
Silent Warriors and Indigenous Pride
The parade will also feature four raptors, used by the Army for bird-strike control and surveillance, demonstrating an innovative use of natural abilities for operational safety.
A key highlight will be the Army dogs, often called the "silent warriors" of the force. Trained at the RVC Centre and College in Meerut, they are crucial in counter-terrorism, explosive detection, tracking, guarding, and disaster response, with many earning gallantry awards for bravery.
In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, the Army has increasingly turned to indigenous dog breeds. The presence of breeds like the Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai, and Rajapalayam on Kartavya Path will powerfully underscore India's drive for self-reliance in defence preparedness.
This 2026 parade promises to be more than a ceremonial display; it will be a moving tribute to the unsung animal partners who stand guard with Indian soldiers at the frontiers of the nation.
