The Indian Navy’s tableau at the Republic Day parade on January 26 will showcase a blend of India’s maritime legacy, modern naval strength and women-led achievements, built around the theme *“Anchored in Tradition — Sailing into Self-Reliance and Innovation”*, officials said on Tuesday.

The display will feature replicas of key vessels spanning India’s naval journey across centuries. These include the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, a traditionally stitched, indigenously built ship that recently completed its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar to Muscat; the Maratha-era warship Gurab; the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant; Project 17A stealth frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri; and a Kalvari-class diesel-electric attack submarine.

Vice Admiral Praveen Nair, Controller of Personnel Services, said the tableau goes beyond demonstrating combat power. “The Indian Navy’s participation reflects its commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime interests while advancing *atmanirbharta* (self-reliance),” he said.

Women empowerment will be a key highlight of the presentation. The tableau will trace the circumnavigation route of Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP II) and feature a replica of INSV Tarini, on which Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A completed an eight-month global voyage in May last year. The two officers sailed 25,600 nautical miles, making port calls at Fremantle in Australia, Lyttelton in New Zealand, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands and Cape Town in South Africa.

Joining the NSP II crew on the tableau will be young girls from the Sea Cadets Corps, marking the organisation’s return to the Republic Day parade after its last appearance in the 1980s.

The 77th Republic Day parade will be presented in a new phased battle array format, designed to highlight the armed forces’ operational capabilities. The sequence will depict how infantry units, tanks, artillery, missiles and airpower are deployed in a combat scenario.

The naval marching contingent will comprise 144 personnel with an average age of 25. Selected from across different branches of the Navy, they have undergone more than two months of specialised training. The contingent will be led by Lieutenant Karan Nagyal, with Lieutenants Pawan Kumar Gandi, Priti Kumari and Varun Dreveriya serving as platoon commanders.

In total, 18 marching contingents and 13 bands will participate in the parade, including a naval band of 80 musicians, among them six women Agniveers.

This year’s Republic Day celebrations are themed *Vande Mataram*, marking 150 years since the first two stanzas of the song were published. Thirty tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path, with six from states or government departments highlighting the *Vande Mataram* theme. The parade will also feature a large-scale cultural dance performance involving around 2,500 artistes.