New Delhi: This year’s Republic Day Parade will present a unique and profound spectacle, blending India’s military strength with its timeless spiritual legacy. To underscore the enduring relevance of Buddhist values such as peace, compassion, social harmony, and mutual coexistence, a large contingent of international Buddhist Monks and Nuns from 40 countries will attend the parade as honoured guests.
The distinguished spiritual delegation is participating in the Global Buddhist Summit, organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture from January 24 to 25, 2026. The summit is being held on the theme “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence,” reflecting India’s civilisational message to the world on peaceful conflict resolution, addressing global inequalities, and responding to the ecological crisis.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the parade, Ven. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General of the IBC, said that while the Republic Day Parade showcases India’s military might, it also reminds the world that India is the land of Buddha Dhamma, which spreads the universal message of peace, love, and kindness. He emphasised that compassion and care are essential in today’s troubled world and that friendly coexistence is the need of the hour.
IBC Director General Shri Abhijit Halder highlighted the deeper constitutional significance of Republic Day, marking the day when the Constitution of India came into force. He noted that Buddhist principles such as equality, compassion, and non-violence have deeply influenced the Indian Constitution. Drawing historical parallels, he pointed out that the Buddhist Sangha served as an early model of participatory democracy, shaping democratic norms that later found expression in India’s parliamentary system.
The Republic Day Parade will symbolically reflect this dual ethos. On one side will be displays of India’s Armed Forces, including naval and air power along with armoured equipment, representing national strength and security. On the other side, the presence of venerable Monks and Nuns will embody peace and compassion, conveying a powerful message to a turbulent world that the path of Dhamma offers the ultimate solution to conflict and discord.
Adding an international perspective, Dr Damenda Porage, Deputy Secretary General of the IBC from Sri Lanka, described Buddha Dhamma as India’s priceless heritage that spread across Asia. He recalled how Sri Lanka received not only Buddhist teachings from India but also artisans and scholars who contributed to a spiritual renaissance. He remarked that India continues to stand as a guiding light for the world by demonstrating both strength and spiritual kindness.
The two-day Global Buddhist Summit brought together over 800 delegates from 40 countries, including more than 200 international participants and around 100 members of the Sangha. Diplomats, academicians, scholars, and lay practitioners from India and abroad took part in the discussions, reinforcing India’s role as a global voice for peace, dialogue, and compassionate coexistence.
Together, the Republic Day Parade and the Global Buddhist Summit send a resonant message: India’s identity rests not only on power and progress, but also on wisdom, harmony, and humanity.
