Republic Day Parade 2026 to Feature Indian Army’s First Animal Contingent

Republic Day Parade 2026: Tradition, Terrain and the Silent Strength of India’s Armed Forces

The Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2026, is set to add a distinctive chapter to India’s ceremonial and military history. For the first time since Independence, the parade along Kartavya Path will feature a dedicated animal contingent of the Indian Army. This symbolic yet operationally significant inclusion highlights an often-overlooked reality of modern warfare: even in an age of drones, satellites and artificial intelligence, animals remain indispensable to military effectiveness in some of the world’s harshest terrains.

Remount & Veterinary Corps Leads the Contingent

The contingent will be fielded by the Remount & Veterinary Corps , the specialised arm responsible for breeding, training and managing military animals. Marching alongside soldiers, the formation symbolises the enduring partnership between humans and animals in defence logistics, surveillance and combat support.

Camels and Ponies from High-Altitude Frontiers

At the front of the contingent will be two Bactrian camels , inducted for operations in the cold deserts of Ladakh . Adapted to altitudes above 15,000 feet, these camels can carry heavy loads with minimal water. They will be followed by four Zanskar ponies , an indigenous mountain breed known for operating in temperatures as low as –40°C. Inducted in 2020, these ponies have supported logistics in high-altitude areas, including deployments linked to the Siachen Glacier .

Raptors and ‘Silent Warriors’

The contingent will also showcase trained raptors used for bird-strike control and aerial surveillance, along with Army dogs , often called the “Silent Warriors”. Ten Indian-breed dogs and six conventional military dogs will participate, reflecting the Army’s focus on indigenous capability. These dogs are trained for counter-terrorism, explosive detection, tracking and disaster response.

Important Facts for Exams

• Republic Day Parade 2026 will feature the first animal contingent

• Remount & Veterinary Corps manages Army animals

• Zanskar ponies were inducted into the Army in 2020

• Army dogs have received gallantry awards