#342: Animals in Indian Republic Day Parade
Camels, Ponies & Raptors | Reflection on Indian Army's unique ANIMAL WING
Indian Republic (and contribution of the ANIMAL WING)
For the first time, India officially integrated animals in the ceremonial parade highlighting their continued relevance in modern warfare and logistics.
The Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC)
established 1889
Long responsible for breeding, training & maintaining animals
keeps horses, mules, dogs, camels etc.
key role in terrains where machines fail: high altitude, dense forests, deserts, narrow mountain passes
Use: transport, counter-insurgency & border ops,
The parade also marked the centenary of the Army’s Veterinary Corps, underscoring a legacy that blends tradition with operational necessity. Despite advances in mechanization and drones, animals offer adaptability, resilience, and reliability in extreme conditions.
Their presence at the Republic Day parade was not symbolic nostalgia: it was recognition of an enduring capability that complements modern military technology and remains critical to India’s defens preparedness.