India's strategic autonomy was on full display as the country showcased Russian-origin military platforms, the S-400 air defence system and T-90 tanks, besides the Russo-Indian joint venture, BrahMos missiles, in front of European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during its 77th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on Monday.
"India's Strategic Autonomy on full display at Republic Day Parade 2026 - EU leaders witness as chief guests as Russian military hardware/design including S-400 missile systems, T-90 tanks and joint production Brahmos missiles are showcased," Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu's diplomatic editor, wrote on X.
"With glimpses of Operation Sindoor, the lethal capability of BrahMos, the impregnable security system of Akash and S-400, and indigenous weapon systems, they convey the message that India today is not only capable of defending its borders but is also fully prepared for future challenges," federal minister Dharmendra Pradhan posted on social media.
Notably, the S-400 and the BrahMos missile played a key role during the brief conflict with Pakistan last year.
While the S-400 recorded the farthest air-to-air kill ever recorded in military history after it knocked out a Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft inside Pakistan, BrahMos created deep craters at runways at Pakistani air bases, damaging their command and control centres and radar sites.
While the S-400 recorded the farthest air-to-air kill ever recorded in military history after it knocked out a Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft inside Pakistan, BrahMos created deep craters at runways at Pakistani air bases, damaging their command and control centres and radar sites.