The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi:
Ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the deployment of 53 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) across the national capital to strengthen security arrangements, official sources said.
The additional deployment, comprising more than 5,800 personnel, will reinforce the existing security grid, with the Delhi Police remaining the nodal agency for maintaining law and order during the celebrations.
The CAPF companies will be stationed at key and sensitive locations, particularly within a two-kilometre radius of Kartavya Path—the nearly three-kilometre ceremonial boulevard stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, where the main Republic Day parade is held. The forces will assist Delhi Police in securing major routes, venues, and event-related infrastructure in the run-up to and during the celebrations.
Personnel have been drawn 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). In addition, specialised units of the National Security Guard (NSG), including sniper teams, will be deployed at strategic locations, high-rise buildings, and other sensitive points across the city.
The heightened security measures come amid India’s decision to invite the top leadership of the European Union as joint chief guests for this year’s Republic Day parade, a move seen as a significant diplomatic outreach. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are expected to attend the parade alongside President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Their visit is also likely to coincide with the India–EU Summit, during which both sides are expected to focus on advancing negotiations for the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement.
According to officials, security agencies have adopted enhanced precautionary measures this year in light of recent intelligence inputs indicating an elevated threat perception around Republic Day events. The MHA approved the additional deployment following these assessments.
The CAPFs will be tasked with area domination, route sanitisation, and anti-sabotage checks along key corridors and sensitive locations, including Kartavya Path, the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, and other vital installations in central Delhi. The additional forces will operate under a multi-layered security framework coordinated by the Delhi Police.
Officials said the enhanced deployment aims to ensure foolproof security and the smooth conduct of the Republic Day celebrations.
