Republic Day Parade 2026: Captain Harshita Raghav to Lead Indian Army’s First-Ever Animal Contingent

The Republic Day Parade 2026, to be held on 26 January at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, will host a historic event in the annals of the Indian Army’s history as it will present a first-time-ever inclusion of an Animal Contingent in the prestigious parade, which showcases the significance of their inclusion in military operations in various terrains of India.

And adding another significance to this event of great honour, the contingent will be headed by Captain Harshita Raghav of Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC), thus becoming the first officer to accomplish this task, which India celebrates her Republic Day.

Captain Harshita Raghav: Contingent Commander, RVC

Captain Harshita Raghav is certainly one of the first women officers to join the Remount & Veterinary Corps, an extremely special arm in the Army. Captain Harshita is naturally endowed with the distinction of being a second-generation officer in the Army.

She hails from Mumbai’s Veterinary College, from where she completed her BVSc & AH, and MVSc in Wildlife Science, respectively. She has the perfect background, as well as the capabilities to command a contingent consisting of the traditional armed forces’ heritage, as well as the requirements of the present environment.

Her appointment as the contingent commander is recognised as an important landmark in the annals of the history of the female officers of the technical/supplementary arms of the Indian Army.

Role of the Remount & Veterinary Corps

The Animal Contingent is presented by the Remount & Veterinary Corps, who are responsible for training, health care, management, and tactical employment of all animals in the service of the Indian Army.

The Corps uses scientific and neuroscience-based training techniques to enhance animal performance, reliability, and readiness for real-world military tasks. Under Captain Raghav’s leadership, the contingent represents the professional standards maintained by the RVC in modern military operations.

Composition of the Animal Contingent

The Indian Army’s Animal Contingent at the Republic Day Parade 2026 will feature a carefully selected group of trained animals, each with a defined operational role:

Bactrian Camels

Two Bactrian camels were deployed for cold desert operations
Suitable for altitudes above 15,000 feet
Capable of carrying heavy loads with minimal water
Used mainly in Ladakh’s high-altitude regions

Zanskar Ponies

Four Zanskar ponies, an indigenous Ladakh breed
Inducted into the Army in 2020
Known for endurance in snowbound and mountainous terrain
Regularly support logistics in areas like the Siachen Glacier

Raptors

Four trained raptors
Used for bird-strike prevention and specialised surveillance tasks
Also trained for anti-drone and airfield safety roles

Army Dogs

Ten Indian-breed Army dogs from five indigenous varieties
Six conventional military dogs
Trained at the RVC Centre, Meerut
Deployed for counter-terrorism, explosive detection, tracking, guarding, and disaster response
Several Army dogs have received gallantry awards for bravery during operations

Parade Preparations and Significance

Speaking during parade preparations, Captain Harshita Raghav noted that the Animal Contingent has drawn wide attention due to its distinct visual presence and operational relevance. The RVC has become a key attraction during rehearsals, as the contingent showcases how animals continue to complement modern military capabilities.

Institutes like Mumbai Veterinary College, defence training centres, and alumni networks share a sense of pride with Captain Raghav on achieving a milestone. She has also academically contributed to various debates on veterinary science issues, including animal health in relation to Covid 19.

Important Facts for Defence Exam Aspirants

Republic Day Parade 2026 marks the first appearance of an Indian Army Animal Contingent

The contingent is led by Captain Harshita Raghav (RVC)
Remount & Veterinary Corps manages all Army animals
Zanskar ponies were inducted in 2020
Army dogs are trained at Meerut and have received gallantry awards
Raptors are used for bird-strike control and specialised security roles