As India showcased an elaborate commemoration at Kartavya Path – highlighting 150 years of Vande Mataram, the nation’s development strides, military capability and cultural richness – global and domestic figures extended greetings to the Indian people.

This year’s parade also included 30 tableaux, with 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Union ministries and departments. They reflected themes of ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, merging the legacy of the national song with India’s push towards self-reliance.

President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the ceremonial events, while security forces in Manipur intensified intelligence-led operations ahead of the day, recovering weapons, ammunition and explosives during combing exercises in sensitive areas.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended Washington’s wishes, describing the US–India relationship as deep and strategic. In his statement, he underscored cooperation in defence, energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies. He noted “multi-layer” engagement through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and said the partnership had produced “real results” for both countries and the wider Indo-Pacific.

Rubio added that he looked forward to “working together” with India to advance shared priorities in the coming year.

The US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs also posted a message on X, saying the United States “joins the people of India” in celebrating the adoption of the Constitution, adding optimism for what the “world’s two largest and vibrant democracies” could achieve jointly in the year ahead.

His X post said: "Greetings to all countrymen on Republic Day. This national festival, symbolising India's pride and honour, should infuse new energy and enthusiasm, strengthening the resolve for Viksit Bharat."

Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi marked the occasion by highlighting the centrality of the Constitution in safeguarding citizens’ rights.

He wrote on X: "Heartfelt Republic Day wishes to all my fellow citizens. Our Constitution is the greatest weapon for every Indian - it is our voice, the protective shield for our rights."

He continued: "Our Republic stands on the strong foundation of this very document, which will be empowered only through equality and harmony. Protecting the Constitution is protecting the Indian Republic - it is a true tribute to the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. Jai Hind! Jai Constitution!"

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra shared a similar sentiment, emphasising the Constitution as a protective force for all Indians.

Her post read: "Heartfelt Republic Day wishes to all my fellow citizens. On this day, our Constitution came into effect, guaranteeing every Indian the values of liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity. Our Constitution is the shield protecting us, 140 crore Indians. Our resolve to safeguard it is as strong as a rock. Long live the Constitution! Long live India!"

Chair and Board Member of Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations of India, extended his greetings and said that his foundation will outline the partnerships and the commitment to help build an inclusive AI future while attending the India AI Summit, which is to be held in Delhi from February 19-20.

Bill Gates, through a video message, said, " It's an honour to send my greetings, as India celebrates its Republic Day. Republic Day is a moment to reflect on the extraordinary promise Indian made to itself in 1950 to build a nation where opportunity expands, knowledge empowers, and progress uplifts everyone."

He added that every time he visits India, he is reminded of the country's ambitions. He said, "Every time I visit India, I'm reminded of how that promise continues to shape the country's ambitions."

Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, on X wrote, “On this Republic Day, let us reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic values enshrined in our Constitution. As the spirit of our Constitution faces unprecedented challenges from communal ideologies and the erosion of federalism, let us pledge to resist every attempt to undermine our democracy. Our Republic thrives only when the rights of its States and the voices of its people are respected. Let’s unite to protect the constitutional values that define our great nation.”

Keiichi Ono, Japanese Ambassador to India, extended warm greetings. 

Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar wrote on X, "Wishing everyone a happy Republic Day Wishing all my fellow citizens heaps of good wishes on the occasion of Republic Day. Jai Hind."

Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, highlighted how 26 January is shared by both India and Australia as a special day and wished for another fruitful year of ties.

The Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir took to X and said, "We have one Constitution. We should also have just one identity - INDIAN! #HappyRepublicDay."

Indian professional shooter and two-time Olympic medallist, Manu Bhaker, took to Instagram and expressed her wishes, saying, "Proud to represent my country today and every day. Jai Hind. Happy Republic Day."

Actor Chiranjeevi Konidela on X wrote, “Warm wishes to all my fellow Indians on the 77th Republic Day Let us honour our Constitution and stand united for a stronger, progressive India. Jai Hind.”

A day of national significance

Observed each year on 26 January, Republic Day commemorates the moment in 1950 when India’s Constitution came into effect, transforming the nation into a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. The day is seen as a tribute to India’s freedom struggle and to the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity upon which the republic was built.

(With inputs from agencies)