In a historic first for the Republic Day celebrations, the Indian Army will present a special animal contingent during the grand parade on Kartavya Path in January 2026. This unique formation is designed to honour and showcase the indispensable role that animals continue to play in military operations, particularly in the country's most challenging and remote terrains.
A Symphony of Strength and Endurance
The contingent, meticulously curated by the Army’s Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC), will be a powerful visual representation of heritage, operational innovation, and the growing push for self-reliance within India's defence ecosystem. The selection includes species that embody extraordinary resilience and are vital to national security in high-altitude regions.
The parade will feature a remarkable assembly: two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors (birds of prey), ten colts from Indian-breed Army dogs, and six fully trained military dogs. Each group symbolizes a different facet of the Army's operational capabilities, from logistics and patrol to surveillance and lifesaving missions.
High-Altitude Heroes Take the Lead
Leading the column will be the formidable Bactrian camels, recently inducted for deployment in the cold desert areas of Ladakh. These rugged animals are masters of survival, adapted to altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet where oxygen is scarce and temperatures plunge. Capable of carrying loads up to 250 kilograms and traversing long distances with minimal sustenance, they have significantly boosted the Army's logistics and patrolling prowess along the sandy and undulating stretches of the Line of Actual Control.
Joining them are the hardy Zanskar ponies, an indigenous mountain breed from Ladakh known for their agility and stamina. Despite their compact size, these ponies can bear 40-60 kilograms in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. Inducted last year, they have already proven invaluable for logistics support and mounted patrols in treacherous areas like the Siachen glacier, where motorized transport is often impossible.
Innovation from the Skies and Silent Warriors
Adding an unexpected dimension to the contingent will be a pack of four raptors. These birds of prey are employed by the Army for bird-strike control and surveillance missions, demonstrating an innovative fusion of natural instinct with modern military needs to enhance safety and effectiveness.
A star attraction will undoubtedly be the Army dogs, revered as the force's 'silent warriors.' Born and trained at the RVC Centre and College in Meerut, these canines are deployed in critical roles including counter-terrorism, explosives detection, tracking, guarding, and search-and-rescue during disasters. Many have been decorated with gallantry awards for their bravery. In a strong nod to the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, the Army is increasingly inducting indigenous breeds like the Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai, and Rajapalayam.
A Tribute to Tradition and Self-Reliance
The participation of this animal contingent on Republic Day 2026 is more than a ceremonial display. It is a vibrant, living showcase of India's journey towards defence self-reliance and a profound tribute to the centuries-old partnership between humans and animals in securing the nation's frontiers. This parade segment will powerfully narrate a story of enduring legacy seamlessly integrated with contemporary strategic requirements, all while saluting the unsung non-human soldiers of India.
