India marked the 77th anniversary of its Republic Day with an elaborate military and cultural parade in New Delhi, using the high-profile occasion to project strategic confidence, national unity, and a carefully balanced foreign policy amid shifting global power dynamics. The celebrations, held along the ceremonial avenue stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, combined traditional pageantry with a strong emphasis on advanced military capabilities and international engagement.

One of the most notable highlights of this year’s parade was the first public display of India’s Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defense system. Mounted on mobile launch vehicles and showcased before domestic audiences and visiting dignitaries, the S-400 symbolized India’s emphasis on strengthening its defensive posture in a volatile regional security environment. The system, acquired from Russia under a 2016 agreement, has been a subject of international attention due to US threats of sanctions under legislation aimed at discouraging major defense purchases from Moscow. Despite those warnings, New Delhi proceeded with the acquisition, citing national security imperatives and its long-standing defense partnership with Russia.

Alongside the S-400, the parade featured T-90 main battle tanks, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, and a range of Indian Air Force assets, reinforcing the image of a modernizing and capable military. Particular attention was drawn to the unveiling of India’s hypersonic long-range anti-ship missile (LRAShM). Indian officials say the missile has a range exceeding 1,500 kilometers and can reach speeds of up to Mach 10, placing India among a select group of countries developing hypersonic strike capabilities. While........

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