Indian Navy Marching Contingent
The Indian Navy held its Press Preview for the Republic Day Parade 2026 on 20 January 2026. The preview showcased the Navy’s marching contingent, tableau, and band for Kartavya Path celebrations.
The Contingent Commander, Lt Karan Nagyal, stated that the Republic Day Parade is a spectacle of unity. It showcases the nation’s rich cultural heritage, diversity, military prowess. In line with the Indian Navy’s vision of being a combat-ready and cohesive force, all participating elements demonstrate operational readiness. Their presence in the Republic Day Parade and Beating the Retreat Ceremony reflects the Navy’s strong commitment to national security.
Marching Contingent
The Indian Navy’s marching contingent this year will comprise 144 young naval personnel marching shoulder to shoulder on the historic Kartavya Path, symbolising the Navy as a progressive and strong maritime force. The contingent represents a mini-India, with sailors drawn from various States and Union Territories. With an average age of 25 years, the personnel have been carefully selected from across the Indian Navy and have undergone specialised training of over two months for the parade.
The contingent will be led by Lt Karan Nagyal as Contingent Commander, with Lt Pawan Kumar Gandi, Lt Priti Kumari, and Lt Varun Dreveriya serving as Platoon Commanders.
How's the Josh?? 🔥#IndianNavy pic.twitter.com/dIK9J1HuvG
— Defence Direct Education (@DefenceDirect) January 21, 2026
Naval Tableau
With a history rooted in safeguarding national interests, the Indian Navy’s tableau for Republic Day Parade 2026 presents a vivid depiction of the theme of a Strong Navy for a Strong Nation. The tableau depicts a stitched ship from the 5th century CE, now christened as INSV Kaundinya. It also showcases indigenous frontline platforms including INS Vikrant, INS Himgiri, INS Udayagiri, a Kalvari-class submarine, and GSAT-7R satellite.
The tableau features a depiction of the circumnavigation route followed by INSV Tarini as part of Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition. Along with naval personnel, young cadets from the Sea Cadets Corps will march with the tableau. The Sea Cadets Corps is a non-governmental organisation that teaches basic nautical skills to youth in Mumbai. Tableau has been designed by Cdr Zubair Siddiqui and Lt Lekshmi K Ravi from the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
Naval Band
The Indian Navy Band, comprising 80 musicians, will be led by M Antony Raj, MCPO Musician First Class. During the Beating the Retreat Ceremony on 29 January 2026, the band will perform soulful and energetic musical compositions. The performance will feature foot-tapping tunes paired with an impressive display of varied marching formations. The band includes six women Agniveer musicians.
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