India marked its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade at Kartavya Path, blending cultural heritage with modern defence strength. The event honoured 150 years of Vande Mataram, with artistic displays reflecting the national song’s role in the freedom movement. President Droupadi Murmu took the salute, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa attended as chief guests. Cultural performances highlighted unity in diversity. The parade showcased military modernisation through a tri-services tableau titled “Operation Sindoor,” featuring coordinated Army, Navy and Air Force operations. The celebrations ended with a flypast by 29 aircraft, including Rafale and Su-30 fighters. (PC: X)

Heavy snowfall and severe traffic jams left hundreds of tourists from Delhi NCR stranded near Manali during the Republic Day weekend. Bharat Sharma and three friends said they were stuck in their car for nearly 40 hours while returning from Solang Valley. The group reached Manali on January 23 but became trapped in slow-moving traffic for almost a full day. They said food, water and toilet access were limited, and hotel prices surged due to high demand. Videos showed several tourists abandoning vehicles and walking through icy roads. Authorities later cleared snow, allowing traffic to move. Officials have urged travellers to follow lane discipline in hilly areas.

Protests continued in Minneapolis after immigration agents fatally shot 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti during an enforcement operation. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the country was at an “inflection point” and again asked President Donald Trump to remove federal immigration agents from the city. Federal officials said Pretti was shot after brandishing a gun, a claim disputed by local authorities and his family. Trump said ICE agents would leave “at some point” but gave no timeline. Vigils were held across the city, while protests spread to New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Business leaders and lawmakers also called for de-escalation and accountability. (PC: BBC)

India plans to cut import duties on cars from the European Union to 40 per cent from current levels as high as 110 per cent, sources told Reuters. The move is part of a proposed free trade agreement that could be announced soon. The duty cut will initially apply to a limited number of EU-made cars priced above 15,000 euros. Tariffs may fall further to 10 per cent over time. Battery electric vehicles will be excluded for the first five years. The plan is expected to improve access for European carmakers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Officials from India and the EU declined to comment. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian Air Force marked the grand finale of the 77th Republic Day parade with a large flypast over Kartavya Path on Monday. The display featured Varuna, Vajraang, Arjan and Vijay formations. Aircraft included Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, P-8i, Apache, C-130 and C-295. A total of 29 aircraft took part, including fighter jets, transport planes and helicopters. Earlier, the Prahar formation showcased the Army’s Operation Sindoor flag using Dhruv helicopters. Held under the theme “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, the parade highlighted India’s defence capability, culture and development.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure, during her Republic Day visit to New Delhi. She attended the 77th Republic Day parade as chief guest along with European Council President Antonio Costa. Her visit comes as India and the European Union move closer to finalising a long-pending free trade agreement. Talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set for January 27. The EU is India’s largest trading partner, with goods trade worth USD 135 billion in FY 2023–24. Under the proposed pact, India may sharply cut import duties on European cars, signalling deeper economic cooperation. (PC: India Today)

India's 77th Republic Day parade showcased multiple firsts including the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System with 300 km strike capability, newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion bridging infantry and special forces, and Shaktiban Regiment equipped with drone and counter-drone technology. The 61 Cavalry appeared in battle gear instead of ceremonial uniform for the first time, while key Army assets rolled down Kartavya Path in a phased battle array formation. An animal contingent featuring Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, raptors, and Army dogs participated. The 90-minute parade, attended by EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, displayed indigenous platforms including BrahMos, Akash, ATAGS artillery, with 29 aircraft in flypast formations featuring Rafale and Apache helicopters.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended Republic Day greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, calling China and India "good neighbours, friends and partners" while emphasizing the significance of bilateral relations for global peace and prosperity. Xi used the metaphor "dragon and elephant dancing together" and expressed hopes for expanded cooperation and mutual concern resolution to promote healthy, stable relations. This comes as the nuclear-armed neighbors, who share a disputed 3,800 km Himalayan border, continue improving ties following the deadly 2020 clash that killed 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. Both nations have recently increased engagement through high-level visits, resumed direct flights in 2025, and stepped up trade amid Trump's combative foreign policy. (PC: X)

Bangladesh's interim government expressed shock and concern over India allowing ousted PM Sheikh Hasina to deliver a public address from Delhi, warning it "sets a dangerous precedent" for bilateral relations. Hasina, living in exile since August 2024, accused Muhammad Yunus's administration of violence, minority persecution, and sexual assaults, urging citizens to overthrow the "murderous fascist" regime ahead of February 12 elections. Bangladesh's foreign ministry called her remarks "inciteful hate speech" that could destabilize the democratic transition, criticizing India for not honoring extradition obligations despite the International Crimes Tribunal's death sentence against her. The statement warned this undermines sovereignty norms and may impair future elected governments' ability to maintain mutually beneficial India-Bangladesh relations.

India's 77th Republic Day celebration strategically showcased indigenous military prowess before European Union leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, signaling deepening India-EU defense cooperation. President Droupadi Murmu presided over the Kartavya Path parade where the EU dignitaries witnessed India's advancing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The 90-minute spectacle, themed around 150 years of Vande Mataram, prominently displayed cutting-edge indigenous systems including the debut phased Battle Array Format featuring T-90 Bhishma tanks, Apache and Prachand helicopters, robotic dogs, and four autonomous unmanned combat vehicles. Following PM Modi's National War Memorial tribute, the parade blended military might with cultural diversity as Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra awardees marched alongside artists, demonstrating India's technological capabilities to key European partners.