As India prepares to celebrate Republic Day in 2026, a unique and vital component of the nation's defence forces is set to receive long-overdue public recognition. The grand parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi will showcase the Indian Army's silent, non-human warriors – the animals that serve alongside soldiers in the most extreme and inhospitable terrains of the country.
The Unseen Pillars of Frontier Defence
Scheduled for January 26, 2026, the parade will feature a contingent from the Army's Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC). This display is far from mere symbolism; it is a profound acknowledgment of the critical role these animals play in national security. They operate in regions where conventional machinery fails, where roads cease to exist, and human survival hinges on partnership and trust.
The animals set to march are not ceremonial showpieces but battle-tested veterans. The contingent will include high-altitude Bactrian camels, renowned for their ability to carry essential supplies across the freezing, thin-air landscapes of Ladakh and the Siachen region. Alongside them will be the sturdy and resilient Zanskar ponies, indispensable for logistics and mobility in the rugged mountains of the Union Territory.
More Than Just Beasts of Burden
The parade will also highlight the Army's keen-eyed avian partners and loyal canine comrades. Raptors, with their sharp vision, are employed for surveillance and detection tasks in sensitive areas. The highly trained Army dogs perform a multitude of roles, from detection and tracking to assault and search-and-rescue missions, often saving human lives in the process.
These creatures form an integral part of India's military capability, providing support that technology cannot fully replicate in the nation's harshest frontiers. Their service begins where the infrastructure ends and the oxygen levels drop, making them irreplaceable assets in maintaining vigil and operational readiness.
A Long-Awaited Salute to Service
The inclusion of the RVC and its animals in the Republic Day 2026 parade is a historic moment. It finally brings these silent warriors from the shadowy, remote outposts into the national spotlight on Kartavya Path. This move underscores the Indian Army's holistic approach to defence, which seamlessly blends advanced technology with time-tested, organic partnerships.
The event will serve as a powerful reminder that India's security is upheld not only by the bravery of its soldiers but also by the unwavering dedication of its animal corps. Their march down the ceremonial boulevard will be a salute to their sacrifice, endurance, and the unbreakable bond they share with the troops they serve alongside, guarding the nation's sovereignty every single day.
