India's Army Animals Make History at Republic Day Parade

Animals took center stage at India's Republic Day Parade for the first time ever, celebrating an unsung force that keeps soldiers safe in the world's most extreme terrain.

The Remount and Veterinary Corps, which has bred and trained military animals since 1779, expanded its traditional dog contingent to include Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, and raptors. These animals aren't just parade participants. They're lifesavers working at 15,000 feet in freezing temperatures where vehicles can't reach.

Captain Harshita Raghav made history leading the contingent as one of the first women inducted into the corps in 2023. Her leadership marks a milestone for both gender equality and recognition of the critical role animals play in national defense.

The Bactrian camels lead the parade for good reason. Adapted to Ladakh's cold deserts, these resilient animals carry 250 kilograms of supplies along steep mountain passes near the Line of Actual Control. They patrol areas where modern technology simply can't operate reliably.

Behind them march the indigenous Zanskar ponies, small but mighty. Despite their size, these Himalayan natives transport supplies through Siachen's sub-zero temperatures and thin air. Their endurance at extreme altitudes makes them irreplaceable for remote patrol duties.

Army dogs, the veterans of past parades, complete the contingent. The corps recently embraced indigenous breeds like Mudhol Hounds and Rajapalayam dogs, proving that homegrown talent excels at explosive detection, tracking, and rescue missions.

The Bright Side

The parade celebrates a partnership that's worked for nearly 250 years. While military technology advances, these animals fill crucial gaps in impossible terrain where helicopters can't land and trucks can't climb.

The corps has saved countless lives during floods in Wayanad, Himachal, and Uttarakhand. During the Kargil conflict, mules delivered essential supplies to soldiers at far-flung posts. Some animals, like Kent the Labrador, have even sacrificed their lives shielding handlers from terrorist attacks.

India's commitment to indigenous breeds strengthens this bond. The country now trains its own Mudhol, Rampur, and Kombai dogs instead of relying on foreign breeds, creating jobs and preserving heritage.

For veterinary graduates, the corps offers a unique path to serve. Officers as young as 21 can apply, and the recent inclusion of women opens doors that were closed just three years ago.

This parade reminds us that some of our most reliable guardians have four legs, not wheels.