Indian Army’s high-altitude support unit Him Yodha steals the show at Republic Day 2026 parade, showcasing armed forces’ camels, dogs and ponies

The Him Yodha contingent a unique Indian Army formation that supports soldiers deployed in extreme highaltitude and icy regions made a striking appearance at the Republic Day 2026 Parade on Kartavya Path on MondayHim Yodha represents the Indian Armyrsquos specialised animal and mobility support units that operate in some of the worldrsquos harshest terrains including the Himalayas the Siachen Glacier and along the Line of Actual Control LAC and Line of Control LoCThe contingent highlights how animals technology and trained personnel work together to sustain troops in remote and hostile environmentsLed by Captain Harshita Raghav and guided by the philosophy of ldquoVasudhaiva Kutumbakamrdquo the Him Yodha contingent featured Bactrian camels Zanskar ponies Black Kites Glacier AllTerrain Vehicles ATVs and indigenous Army dogs according to the ANIAccording to the official description these animals and support systems play a crucial role in logistics surveillance and operational support in areas where modern vehicles often cannot functionBactrian camels Endurance in the cold desertThe Bactrian camels from Ladakhrsquos Galwan and Nubra regions demonstrated their importance in highaltitude logistics Capable of operating above 15000 feet these hardy animals can carry loads of up to 200 kilograms while requiring minimal careHighly effective on sandy terrain and steep slopes they provide vital supply support along the LAC and symbolise endurance and resilience in national service77th RepublicDay HIM Yodha Bactrian Camel Zaniskari pony black kites raptors displayed during the Republic Day parade at the Kartavya Path in DelhiFive indigenous breed dogsMudhol Hound Rampur Hound Chippiparai Kombai and Rajapalayamtrained as attack and patrolhellip pictwittercomkYgjTBKtNOmdash ANI ANI January 26 2026Zanskar ponies make historic debutFor the first time the Zanskar ponies an endangered indigenous breed from Ladakhrsquos high valleys marched on Kartavya Path These ponies serve in the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier and along the LAC carrying supplies and assisting in patrol dutiesTheir appearance marked a moment of pride with their hooves echoing courage sacrifice and silent service to the nationIndigenous Indian Army dogs and aerial supportFive indigenous Indian Army dog breeds Mudhol Hound Rampur Hound Chippiparai Kombai and Rajapalayam followed the contingent Trained for attack and patrol duties these dogs are now serving alongside foreign breeds as per the ANIEquipped with bulletresistant jackets cameras GPS devices and communication systems they act as force multipliers on the battlefieldThe Him Yodha contingent also included Black Kites which assist in surveillance and antidrone operations beyond the LoC highlighting the Armyrsquos innovative use of natural assetsMixed Scouts contingent followsMarching after Him Yodha was the Mixed Scouts Contingent led by Lieutenant Amit Choudhary of the 2 Arunachal Scouts The unit comprised personnel from Sikkim Scouts Arunachal Scouts Kumaon Scouts Ladakh Scouts Garhwal Scouts and Dogra ScoutsDrawn from Himalayan regions these soldiers specialise in highaltitude surveillance and frontier reconnaissance Their disciplined march reflected the Armyrsquos ethos of lsquoService Before Selfrsquo resilience and constant vigilancewith ANI inputs