Enhanced Security Measures for Republic Day 2026 in Delhi
As India prepares for the 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the deployment of 53 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces in Delhi. This move aims to enhance security in light of recent threats, particularly following a bomb blast incident. The additional forces will support the Delhi Police in maintaining order during the celebrations, which will feature the European Union's top leadership as chief guests. This article explores the implications of these security measures and the significance of the upcoming diplomatic engagements.
| Dec 24, 2025, 15:22 IST
Increased Security Ahead of Republic Day Celebrations
As the 77th Republic Day approaches on January 26, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has authorized the deployment of 53 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the national capital due to heightened security concerns.
These reinforcements, comprising over 5,800 armed personnel, will bolster the existing security framework, while the Delhi Police will continue to serve as the primary agency for maintaining law and order. The additional CAPF members will be stationed at all critical locations within a two-kilometer radius of the duty path, which spans approximately three kilometers from the President's residence at Raisina Hill to India Gate, the site of the main Republic Day parade each year. This deployment aims to ensure comprehensive control over the area during the preparations and conclusion of the annual parade. These forces will assist the Delhi Police in maintaining security at key areas, routes, and sites associated with the Republic Day celebrations.
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The deployed forces will include personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Additionally, teams from the National Security Guard (NSG), including sniper units, will be positioned at strategic locations, high-rise buildings, and other sensitive sites throughout the city.
These stringent security measures follow the Indian government's decision to invite the top leadership of the European Union as joint chief guests for the Republic Day parade. This initiative is viewed as a significant diplomatic move by India. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, are expected to attend the celebrations alongside President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Their visit is likely to coincide with the India-EU summit, where discussions will focus on advancing negotiations for the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In light of the bomb blast near the Red Fort on November 10, where a suicide bomber detonated explosives inside a moving Hyundai i20 car, resulting in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries, security agencies have adopted additional precautionary measures this year. The attacker was later identified as Umar-un-Nabi.
Officials have indicated that the MHA approved the deployment of additional CAPF forces following new intelligence reports suggesting an increased threat surrounding the Republic Day events. According to the Delhi Police, the new teams will be integrated with the forces already stationed at sensitive locations under a multi-layered security framework.