The Indian Army will feature an uncommon animal contingent in the Republic Day parade along Kartavya Path in New Delhi on 26 January 2026. For the first time, a unit assembled under the Remount and Veterinary Corps will march as part of the ceremonial line-up, giving the public an unusual glimpse of animals that support military and ceremonial duties.
The contingent will include two Bactrian camels, four Janskār horses, four raptor birds, ten Indian-bred military dogs and six conventional military dogs already in service. The formation reflects months of preparation by the Remount and Veterinary Corps, which is responsible for training and caring for animals used by the armed forces.
Officials said the display aims to celebrate the long-standing bond between soldiers and their animal companions, while also drawing attention to the RVC’s expanding role in conservation, veterinary medicine and operational support. The presence of Bactrian camels is notable because they are rare in ceremonial parades and require specialised handling and training.
India Republic Day military animals will showcase training and heritage
The RVC contingent will step out alongside traditional marching bands, regimental columns and other ceremonial elements. Training for animals and handlers began months in advance, with attention paid to acclimatisation, public exposure and routines that ensure safety for both animals and spectators.
Handlers will accompany each animal group and perform choreographed movements designed to fit the parade’s strict timings. The inclusion of raptor birds follows modern trends where birds of prey are trained for ceremonial flypasts or static demonstrations, underscoring the breadth of skills within the corps.
Veterinary officers will remain on hand throughout the rehearsal phase and during the parade to monitor the animals’ welfare. The Remount and Veterinary Corps has emphasised that animal welfare standards meet national guidelines, with measures in place for rest, hydration and medical attention.
Republic Day parades traditionally combine martial displays with cultural presentations, and this year’s decision to include an RVC animal formation adds an element of rarity and public interest. Military dogs have been a familiar sight in security roles, but the scale and variety of animals in the new contingent will broaden public understanding of how animals contribute to defence services.
Organisers will also release footage and images from rehearsals and the parade itself. A video accompanying the announcement offers viewers a preview of the formation and training sessions. The photograph of the unit captures a still from those preparations and will appear in national coverage of the event.
As India prepares to mark Republic Day, the addition of the Remount and Veterinary Corps contingent underlines the parade’s evolving character. Beyond ceremonial spectacle, the display will highlight training professionalism, animal welfare practices and the historical ties that link the armed forces with their animal partners.
Key Takeaways:
- India Republic Day military animals will make a debut appearance in New Delhi on Republic Day 2026.
- The Remount and Veterinary Corps will present a rare contingent including two Bactrian camels, four Janskār horses, four raptor birds and 16 military dogs.
- The display highlights the Indian Army’s animal training capabilities and the RVC’s role in conservation and operational support.
