India will showcase a first-of-its-kind animal contingent from the Indian Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps during the Republic Day 2026 parade.
India is set to witness a rare and evocative spectacle on Republic Day, 2026, as the Indian Army showcases, for the first time, a specially curated animal contingent during the ceremonial parade along Kartavya Path, which underlines the endurance, sacrifice and operational versatility that define the country’s defence forces.
The unique contingent, drawn from the Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC), will highlight the indispensable role animals continue to play in safeguarding India’s most challenging and sensitive frontiers, from icy glaciers to cold deserts.
The animal contingent will comprise two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors, ten Indian-breed Army dogs, and six conventional military dogs currently in active service.
Together, they represent a blend of tradition, innovation and the Indian Army’s increasing emphasis on self-reliance within its operational ecosystem.
Leading the formation will be the Bactrian camels, recently inducted for deployment in the cold deserts of Ladakh.
These hardy animals are uniquely adapted to extreme weather conditions, thin air and altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet.
Capable of carrying loads of up to 250 kilograms, the camels can traverse long distances with minimal water and feed, significantly enhancing logistical support and mounted patrolling along the Line of Actual Control, particularly in sandy terrain and steep gradients.
Marching alongside them will be the Zanskar ponies, an indigenous mountain breed native to Ladakh.
Despite their relatively small size, these ponies are renowned for exceptional endurance, routinely carrying loads of 40 to 60 kilograms across inhospitable terrain at extreme altitudes and in temperatures that can plunge to minus 40 degrees Celsius.
Since their induction into the Army in 2020, Zanskar ponies have served in some of the harshest operational areas, including the Siachen Glacier, supporting logistics and mounted patrols that can cover up to 70 kilometres in a single day.
Adding a dimension of aerial vigilance will be four raptors, deployed for bird-strike control and surveillance, reflecting the Army’s innovative use of natural capabilities to enhance operational safety and effectiveness.
A key highlight of the contingent will be the Army Dogs, often referred to as the “Silent Warriors” of the Indian Army.
Trained and nurtured at the RVC Centre and College in Meerut, these dogs support troops in counter-terrorism operations, explosive and mine detection, tracking, guarding, disaster response and search-and-rescue missions.
Over the years, Army dogs and their handlers have earned gallantry awards and commendations for acts of courage in both combat and humanitarian operations.
In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, the Army has increasingly inducted indigenous breeds such as Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai and Rajapalayam, underscoring India’s push towards self-reliance in defence.
HEAVY SECURITY IN DELHI
As preparations intensify for Republic Day and New Year celebrations, security across the national capital has also been significantly stepped up.
Large-scale verification drives are underway in sensitive areas of Delhi, with the Delhi Police and central security agencies holding coordination meetings to prevent any untoward incident.
