At 77, India’s Republic balances growth, geopolitics and change

Though India became a free nation on August 15, 1947, it formally declared itself a Sovereign, Democratic Republic with the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. A 21-gun salute and the unfurling of the Indian National Flag by Dr. Rajendra Prasad marked the historic birth of the Indian Republic. Thereafter, January 26 was decreed a national holiday and recognised as Republic Day.

The Constitution empowered the citizens of India to choose their own government and laid the foundation for a vibrant democracy. Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of India, ushering in a new constitutional order.

India is one of the world’s oldest civilisations, with a rich cultural heritage and remarkable diversity. Since Independence, the country has achieved all-round socio-economic progress. As the seventh-largest country in the world, India stands apart geographically, bounded by the Great Himalayas in the north and flanked by the Bay of Bengal to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. At the Tropic of Cancer, the landmass tapers into the Indian Ocean, giving India a distinct geographical identity.

India continues on a remarkable economic growth journey. From a largely agrarian and low-growth economy in 1950, it has transformed into the world’s fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP in 2024, crossing $3.5 trillion. Growth accelerated from the so-called “Hindu rate of growth” of around 3.5 per cent prior to 1991 to over 7 per cent in the post-liberalisation era, with a significant shift towards services.

The services sector is now the fastest-growing and most important component of the Indian economy. Trade, hotels, transport and communication; finance, insurance, real estate and business services; and community, social and personal services together account for over 60 per cent of GDP.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing contribute about 12 per cent of output but employ more than half of the labour force. Manufacturing accounts for around 15 per cent of GDP, construction 8 per cent, and mining, quarrying, electricity, gas and water supply the remaining 5 per cent.

This year, European Council President Antonio Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be the chief guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations. They will also represent the European Union at the 16th India–EU Summit scheduled for January 27.

The Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path will mark 150 years of Vande Mataram as its central theme. For the first time, the Indian Army will showcase a Battle Array Format. Around 10,000 people from diverse walks of life will attend as special guests, while 2,500 artists will participate in the cultural performances. A total of 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path.

Republic Day is a moment of national pride. Understanding its significance helps citizens appreciate the values of democracy, unity and constitutional governance. The celebrations, through historic tableaux, cultural performances and military parades, reflect India’s diversity and strength.

Schools and colleges mark the occasion with speeches and essays, while inspirational quotes are shared nationwide to rekindle patriotism and reaffirm faith in the democratic ideals enshrined in the Constitution.