Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s South Western Air Command, conducted a strategic review of Operation Sindoor today during his visit to forward airfields in Gujarat. His inspection comes in the wake of India’s precision military response to the May 3 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 13 lives, including that of Navy officer Vinay Narwal.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was a swift, calculated, and non-escalatory offensive targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In just 25 minutes, the Indian Air Force neutralized nine high-value terrorist sites linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, including the infamous Markaz Taiba in Muridke, Pakistan — long associated with the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
— C PRO South Western Air Command (@SWAC_IAF) May 14, 2025
During his visit, Air Marshal Kapoor held operational briefings and personally interacted with IAF personnel involved in the strike. He commended their precision, bravery, and professionalism in executing one of the most significant cross-border operations in recent years. “The success of Operation Sindoor is a testament to our preparedness, discipline, and evolving air strike capabilities,” he stated.
The operation prominently featured advanced weaponry, including Harop and Harpy loitering drones, which delivered surgical strikes with pinpoint accuracy. Supporting these offensive assets was India’s indigenous Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system, deployed at the airfields to secure India’s western airspace. With 96% indigenous content, the Akash system played a critical role in defending against attempted Pakistani retaliatory drone and missile strikes, as confirmed in a May 8 report by India TV.
In parallel, the Russian-origin S-400 air defense system intercepted incoming threats targeting Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, successfully preventing any damage on Indian soil. India Today reported that approximately 100 terrorists were eliminated during the operation, marking a major setback for terror networks across the border.
The political and public response has been overwhelmingly supportive. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while inaugurating 50 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) projects on May 8, asserted, “We only killed those who killed our innocents.” Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde lauded the IAF’s resolve, declaring, “This is the new India — one that strikes back by entering enemy territory.”
Air Marshal Kapoor’s leadership during this critical period has drawn praise, especially given his extensive experience as a former Defence Attaché to Pakistan. His visit to Gujarat further reinforces the IAF’s operational readiness and strategic depth along India’s western front.
As cross-border shelling continues in volatile sectors like Uri in Jammu & Kashmir — last reported on May 9 — the Indian armed forces remain on high alert. Backed by cutting-edge technology and firm political resolve, India has sent a clear message: acts of terror will not go unanswered.
In a strong diplomatic rebuttal, India has categorically rejected China’s latest attempt to rename locations in Arunachal Pradesh, reaffirming that the northeastern state remains an inalienable part of India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, denounced the move as “vain and preposterous,” underscoring that such actions would not change ground realities.
“We have noted that China has persisted with its vain and preposterous attempts to name places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh,” Jaiswal stated during a press briefing. “Consistent with our principled position, we reject such attempts categorically. Creative naming will not alter the undeniable reality that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.”
China’s renaming efforts come amid long-standing border tensions between the two Asian powers, particularly in the eastern sector near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In April 2024, China released a list of 30 “standardized” names for places in Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as part of “Zangnan” or South Tibet. The announcement followed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile visit to the region in March 2024 to inaugurate the strategically critical Sela Tunnel.
The border dispute between India and China dates back to the 1962 Sino-Indian War and hinges on differing interpretations of the McMahon Line, the boundary drawn during the 1914 Simla Convention. While India recognizes the McMahon Line as the official border, China disputes it, asserting that Tibet lacked sovereignty to sign such agreements.
India’s firm response highlights Arunachal Pradesh’s longstanding historical, cultural, and administrative ties with the Indian Union. The state, covering 83,743 km², is not only rich in natural beauty and biodiversity but is also home to indigenous communities like the Monpa, Tani, Mishmi, and Deori. The region holds significant strategic value and economic potential, particularly in hydroelectric energy and traditional industries such as handloom weaving.
In recent years, tensions along the LAC have intensified, including the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020 and China’s reported construction of “border villages” aimed at reinforcing territorial claims. India, in turn, has accelerated its infrastructure development in the region, including strategic roads and tunnels, to enhance connectivity and strengthen military preparedness.
As both nations continue to engage diplomatically while bolstering positions on the ground, India’s rejection of China’s renaming campaign signals a continued commitment to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and national interests.
Dr. Ajay Kumar, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and former defence secretary, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued an official order late Tuesday confirming the appointment under Article 316(1) of the Constitution of India.
A 1985-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, Dr. Kumar served as defence secretary from August 23, 2019, to October 31, 2022. Known for his contributions to defence modernisation and strategic affairs, his appointment is seen as a move to bring experienced leadership to the UPSC, which is responsible for conducting the prestigious civil services examination and handling promotions, deputations, and disciplinary matters in the central civil services.
Dr. Kumar succeeds Preeti Sudan, former health secretary, whose term as UPSC chair ended on April 29, 2025. Sudan was appointed in July 2024 after the abrupt resignation of Manoj Soni. Soni, who had been with the commission since 2017 and took over as chairperson in May 2023, resigned in early June 2024, citing personal reasons. However, the resignation drew scrutiny from the opposition, with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge questioning whether it was linked to controversies surrounding the UPSC.
One such controversy erupted last year involving Puja Khedkar, who was accused of fraudulently availing additional civil services attempts by misrepresenting her identity. The UPSC subsequently debarred her from future examinations and annulled her candidature.
Dr. Kumar’s appointment comes at a time when the UPSC is under pressure to maintain transparency and integrity amid rising public scrutiny. His administrative experience and defence background are expected to bolster institutional credibility and drive reforms in the recruitment process.
Madhya Pradesh Tribal Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah stirred controversy with objectionable comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a prominent figure in India’s Operation Sindoor against terrorism in Pakistan. During an event in Mhow, Shah referred to Colonel Qureshi as a “sister of Pakistani terrorists,” which immediately sparked backlash from Congress and other political figures.
The BJP leader’s remarks, which involved an inflammatory comparison between Qureshi and Pakistani terrorists, were widely condemned as shameful and insulting. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other party leaders demanded that Shah be removed from his post for disrespecting the Indian Armed Forces and the bravery of Colonel Qureshi.
Shah, in his statement, went on to claim that his words were distorted. After facing a massive online backlash, he clarified that he respected the actions of the Indian Armed Forces and Colonel Qureshi, calling her a “sister” who had elevated India’s prestige.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an esteemed officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, became one of the key figures during the media briefings of Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror hideouts in Pakistan. A trailblazer in her field, she made history in 2016 as the first Indian woman to command an Army contingent at a major international military exercise.
The controversy ignited further discussions about the respect for the armed forces and the divisive political rhetoric surrounding national security issues.
In a bold and meticulously executed aerial operation, Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, spearheaded a powerful offensive that tore through Pakistan’s air defences, delivering a heavy psychological and tactical blow to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The operation, highlighted by a devastating strike on the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, was backed at the highest levels by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and received final clearance before being launched.
Sources revealed that Singh, displaying remarkable tactical acumen, personally selected elite IAF pilots and framed the rules of engagement. His rallying call — “We should go for the kill” — set the tone for what would become one of India’s most decisive aerial campaigns in years.
The mission’s success was underscored by a rare admission from Pakistan. Lt General Ahmed Sharif, the Pakistan Army spokesperson, confirmed on live television that Indian missiles struck several critical military installations, including Nur Khan, Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Jhang) airbases.
Satellite images, released by Chinese firm MIZAZVISION and analyzed by OSINT expert Damien Symon, corroborated extensive damage at Nur Khan, including destroyed military trucks and facilities. Sources also reported that the strike forced Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir into hiding in a bunker for two hours.
The IAF’s coordinated assault extended to targets across Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, and Sialkot, effectively paralyzing major PAF infrastructure. The Pakistani military confirmed 11 fatalities, including 5 PAF personnel.
Singh’s career spans nearly four decades, with over 5,000 flying hours. As a qualified flying instructor, experimental test pilot, and veteran of multiple strategic roles—including the MiG-29 upgrade and Tejas development—his leadership has now culminated in this high-impact operation.
Appointed as the 28th Chief of Air Staff on September 30, 2024, Singh’s leadership in this mission cements his place in Indian military history, showcasing the IAF’s dominance and its ability to neutralize threats with surgical precision and overwhelming force.
In a significant diplomatic move, the Government of India has declared a staff member of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata, ordering the official to leave the country within 24 hours. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a formal demarche to the Charge d’Affaires of Pakistan earlier today, citing actions “inconsistent with diplomatic norms.”
Though the MEA has not publicly disclosed the nature of the misconduct, government sources suggest the expulsion is tied to concerns over espionage—an issue that has repeatedly strained India-Pakistan relations.
The expulsion comes amid heightened bilateral tensions following a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, earlier this year, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a targeted military campaign against suspected militant infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
This latest expulsion follows a broader diplomatic downgrade. Last month, India declared Pakistan’s Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Attachés persona non grata, indicating a hardening of New Delhi’s stance on national security matters. India has repeatedly accused elements within Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, an allegation Pakistan denies.
Public reaction within India has been charged. Citizens on social media and across civil society have largely applauded the government’s decision, calling it a justified response to continued security threats. Some voices, however, are demanding even sterner action—including the closure of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.
India and Pakistan have had a fraught relationship since partition in 1947, marked by wars, proxy conflicts, and nuclear arms development in 1974 and 1998, respectively. The use of persona non grata declarations, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, is a sharp tool in diplomatic protocol—often signaling a serious rupture in trust.
With Islamabad yet to formally respond, analysts caution that further retaliatory measures or escalations could be on the horizon unless diplomatic channels reopen. For now, the geopolitical temperature in South Asia continues to rise, with regional stability hanging in the balance.
In a landmark strategic briefing at the Manekshaw Centre, Lt Gen DS Rana, Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA), addressed Foreign Service Attaches from over 70 countries, offering a comprehensive overview of Operation Sindoor—India’s bold and expansive military response to cross-border terrorism.
The operation, launched on May 7, followed the April 22 terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, primarily Indian tourists. India holds Pakistan-based terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) responsible for the massacre. Operation Sindoor targeted and destroyed nine major terror facilities, including LeT’s headquarters in Muridke and JeM’s base in Bahawalpur, marking one of India’s most extensive anti-terror military actions in recent years.
Lt Gen Rana emphasized the operation’s meticulous planning and multi-domain execution. He underlined the precision of India’s integrated tri-service response, stating that carefully validated targets with known terror linkages were neutralized through coordinated strikes involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The operation, he said, showcased India’s growing prowess in modern warfare, including cyber, space, and electronic operations—demonstrating both kinetic and non-kinetic superiority.
Visual evidence presented during the session included real-time satellite imagery and mission footage, highlighting the accuracy of the strikes. A central theme of the briefing was the high degree of “jointness and integration” across the services, which Lt Gen Rana credited as the defining factor in the operation’s success. He also drew attention to the indigenous nature of many platforms used in the operation, reflecting India’s strides in self-reliance and defense innovation.
Beyond military achievements, the briefing delved into the broader geopolitical narrative. Lt Gen Rana called out Pakistan’s ongoing disinformation efforts, referencing past reports—including the 2020 EU DisinfoLab exposé—that documented a widespread propaganda network. He said India’s response included a “whole-of-nation” approach, effectively countering false narratives while upholding regional peace and global credibility.
However, tensions along the Line of Control remain volatile. Since the April 22 attack, there have been daily ceasefire violations, with 12 Indian civilians reportedly killed and 57 injured in Pakistani shelling. Indian officials describe the strikes as a decisive message against terrorism, though they acknowledge the fragile state of bilateral relations with Pakistan.
Operation Sindoor has sparked international discussions on the future of warfare in South Asia. Defense analysts highlight the shift toward hybrid threats—where conventional combat is augmented by cyber attacks, economic coercion, and psychological operations. India’s recent operation is being viewed as a case study in multi-domain conflict management.
As Lt Gen Rana concluded, Operation Sindoor is not just a military event but a geopolitical marker—redefining India’s red lines on terrorism, projecting its military readiness, and reshaping deterrence dynamics in the subcontinent. The world now watches closely as India and Pakistan navigate the high-stakes aftermath of this confrontation.
In the wake of the Indian Air Force’s precision airstrikes on May 10, 2025, that severely crippled multiple Pakistani military airbases, Pakistan has moved to reactivate emergency airstrips located on its national highways. Sources confirm that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will conduct revalidation exercises for the M1 and M2 emergency airstrips, situated along the Islamabad-Peshawar and Islamabad-Lahore motorways, later this week. These efforts aim to ensure the country’s preparedness for a potential aerial response after extensive damage to its primary military infrastructure.
The Indian airstrikes, part of Operation Sindoor, targeted key military sites across Pakistan, hitting 11 strategic airbases, including Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur and Arifwala. Satellite imagery revealed extensive damage, including cratered runways, collapsed hangars, and destroyed air defense radars, particularly at Rahim Yar Khan, where a massive crater disrupted the main airstrip. Other sites, including Pasrur, Chunian, and Arifwala, also saw heavy damage to critical radar systems.
One of the most significant targets was the Nur Khan airbase in Chaklala, home to Pakistan’s vital transport squadrons, including C-130 Hercules and IL-78 mid-air refuelers. Its proximity to Islamabad’s Strategic Plans Division, which manages the nation’s nuclear arsenal, heightened concerns following the strike. Despite these fears, Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti later clarified that there were no strikes on nuclear assets in the region.
The Indian airstrikes left more than eight Pakistani airbases incapacitated, sparking widespread panic within Pakistan’s defense establishment. In response, Pakistan is turning to its contingency plans by reactivating the M1 and M2 emergency airstrips, designed for use in times of crises. However, these highways were not spared during the attacks, with significant damage to key motorways.
The strikes have sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s leadership, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly convening a meeting of the National Command Authority—the country’s top nuclear decision-making body—on the same day, though Islamabad later denied such claims. Indian officials, on the other hand, have emphasized that these strikes were a clear signal of India’s operational readiness and its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.
As Pakistan scrambles to restore its air capabilities through emergency infrastructure, the regional security landscape remains tense, with both nations on high alert.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Adampur Air Base on May 10, 2025, has drawn renewed national attention to one of India’s most significant air force stations. Located in Punjab, Adampur Air Base has long served as a crucial pillar in India’s air defence network, particularly in safeguarding the country’s northwestern front. As India accelerates its military modernization and regional security challenges evolve, the strategic relevance of this base continues to grow. This article delves into the military, strategic, and political significance of the Adampur Air Base, and examines why it remains a cornerstone of India’s defence infrastructure.
Established in the early 1950s, Adampur Air Base is the second largest air force station of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and holds a prominent place in the country’s military aviation history. Situated near Jalandhar in Punjab, and just about 100 km from the India-Pakistan border, Adampur has long served as a frontline defence outpost, especially during the Indo-Pakistani wars of 1965 and 1971.
Adampur Air Base Coordinates
Early Establishment and Development
The base was initially formed on March 16, 1950, as No. 305 Wing, and was later redesignated as No. 8 Wing in 1956. Its creation was part of the IAF’s post-independence expansion strategy aimed at reinforcing India’s air defence and strike capabilities, particularly along the western front. Adampur’s location was chosen strategically, enabling it to house fighter squadrons and support rapid air operations close to the border.
Crucial Role in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War
Adampur played a pivotal role during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War. On September 6, 1965, Pakistan launched pre-emptive airstrikes on several Indian airbases, including Adampur, Halwara, and Pathankot. However, the strike on Adampur failed when the Pakistani aircraft retreated before reaching the base.
In a dramatic follow-up, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) attempted an airborne commando raid by dropping 135 Special Services Group (SSG) para-commandos near key airfields, including Adampur. In a remarkable show of civilian bravery, local villagers in the Adampur area captured most of the paratroopers and handed them over to the authorities. Only a handful of the attackers managed to escape back to Pakistan, showcasing both the base’s preparedness and the active involvement of the local community in national defence.
Operationally, Adampur was home to No. 1 Squadron IAF, which carried out significant offensive missions during the war. The squadron struck high-value targets such as the Sargodha Air Base in Pakistan, severely disrupting enemy air operations and logistics. These sorties played a critical role in supporting Indian ground forces and asserting air superiority.
Contribution During the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War
Adampur again emerged as a key player during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. On December 3, 1971, Pakistan launched Operation Chengiz Khan, targeting Indian airbases including Pathankot, which suffered considerable runway damage. In response, Adampur provided essential interceptor cover and remained fully operational throughout the war.
Under the leadership of Air Marshal Randhir Singh, Adampur Air Base maintained high morale and combat readiness. Pilots flew continuous sorties supporting Indian Army advances and striking enemy positions across the western front, including near Lahore. Aircraft such as the Su-7 and MiG-21 flew nearly a third of all sorties on this front, reflecting the base’s intense involvement in the conflict. Its robust training and operational discipline were later credited with helping it avoid major damage or penetration during the war.
Continued Legacy
The 1965 parachute assault by Pakistani commandos remains a defining moment in the base’s history, with local villagers playing a heroic role in safeguarding the airfield.
During the Kargil War in 1999, aircraft operating from Adampur, including Mirage 2000 jets from No. 7 Squadron, struck crucial enemy positions such as Tiger Hill, Muntho Dhalo, and Tololing, highlighting the base’s continued strategic relevance.
In recent decades, Adampur has undergone constant modernization, including proposals in the 2010s to develop it into a commercial airport to improve regional connectivity. This reflects not only its military importance but also its potential civil value.
Adampur Airport
Geostrategic Importance
Adampur Air Base holds exceptional geostrategic value for India, primarily due to its proximity—just about 100 kilometers—to the international border with Pakistan. This location makes it one of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) most critical forward-operating bases, capable of launching rapid responses to any hostile activity or military escalation along the western frontier. Its positioning enables swift surveillance, early threat detection, and immediate deployment of air assets, making it essential for both defensive and offensive operations in a volatile region.
Adampur Air Base is strategically located in Punjab near Jalandhar, at approximately 31.43°N latitude and 75.76°E longitude. Its position places it within close proximity to several other key Indian Air Force (IAF) installations, forming a critical network of defense infrastructure along India’s western front. To the north-northwest, about 70 kilometers away, lies Pathankot Air Force Station, which hosts helicopter squadrons and Apache attack helicopters, serving as a vital base for rotary-wing operations near the border. Approximately 60 kilometers to the south-southeast is Halwara Air Force Station near Ludhiana, home to Su-30MKI fighter squadrons and part of the IAF’s Western Air Command. Around 90 kilometers west of Adampur is Amritsar Air Force Station, located close to the India-Pakistan border, enhancing frontline surveillance and response capabilities. Bathinda Air Force Station, situated about 150 kilometers to the southwest, plays a key role with its deployment of Rafale squadrons. Meanwhile, Chandigarh Air Force Station, around 120 kilometers to the southeast, functions primarily as a hub for transport aircraft and helicopters. Collectively, these bases create a layered and coordinated defense grid, with Adampur centrally positioned to support rapid deployment and joint operational readiness in northern India.
The base also functions as a forward platform for surveillance operations and rapid fighter squadron deployments, and supports missile defence systems. A clear example of its strategic value was the deployment of India’s first S-400 Triumf long-range air defence system at Adampur. With a range of up to 600 km, the S-400 significantly extends the IAF’s ability to monitor and neutralize airborne threats, covering substantial portions of Pakistani airspace. Its integration with other IAF assets enhances layered defence capabilities, positioning Adampur as a powerful node in India’s air defence grid.
A symbolic image of PM Modi standing in front of S-400 in Adampur Air Base.
Operational Capabilities
Adampur Air Base is one of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) most critical operational hubs, hosting several advanced fighter squadrons, including the Su-30MKI, a premier multirole air superiority aircraft. The presence of these fighters reflects the base’s capability to execute a wide range of missions—ranging from air dominance and interception to deep strike operations—ensuring both strategic flexibility and combat readiness.
The base is equipped with modern radar systems and missile defense infrastructure, which strengthen its ability to monitor, track, and respond to airborne threats in real time. These systems enhance the IAF’s ability to maintain a vigilant defensive posture along India’s sensitive western front, while also supporting rapid mobilization for offensive operations when necessary.
Adampur also features comprehensive maintenance, repair, and logistical support facilities, which ensure the high operational availability of its aircraft and systems. This infrastructure enables sustained sortie generation, allowing the base to support round-the-clock aerial patrols, intercept missions, and coordinated strike operations.
The background shows presence of Sukhoi Su-30MKI
Role In Operation Sindoor
Adampur Air Base played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, India’s precision strikes on terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, launched on May 7, 2025. As one of the Indian Air Force’s key forward-deployed bases near the western border, Adampur was instrumental in maintaining air defense readiness and facilitating offensive air operations during the height of the conflict.
Equipped with frontline fighter squadrons such as the MiG-29s, the base was actively involved in launching air-to-ground strikes on identified terror infrastructure across the border. These squadrons ensured India’s ability to strike with accuracy and maintain aerial superiority, even in the face of escalating hostilities.
In response to India’s initial strikes, Pakistan launched a series of missile and drone attacks on May 9 and 10, targeting strategic IAF bases, including Adampur. Thanks to a well-coordinated air defense network and rapid threat detection capabilities, Adampur successfully intercepted these threats, preventing any damage to its runways, aircraft, or infrastructure. This quick and effective defense allowed the IAF to sustain momentum in its operations and preserve its readiness posture throughout the conflict.
Fake Claims By Pakistan
PAF’s Chief Spokesperson had falsely claimed that they had hit the runway, destroyed the S-400 air defense system, and successfully targeted radar systems with drones. Additionally, Pakistan claimed that missiles had destroyed aircraft at the base and that as many as 60 personnel were killed in the strikes. To support these assertions, Pakistan circulated morphed satellite imagery of Adampur, suggesting the base was severely damaged. They also claimed that Adampur was rendered out of action for years.
Here is the video:
However, these allegations were swiftly debunked by India, with satellite imagery and on-ground reports confirming that the base remained fully operational, further strengthened by Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the base, which demonstrated its intact infrastructure and readiness.
Another image circulating now claims to show damage at India's Adampur Airbase due to Pakistan's airstrike, however once reviewed against recent images this too has been doctored & manipulated pic.twitter.com/XaapvE5KbS
Imagery released by a Chinese firm suggests damage at a structure within India's Adampur Airbase – a site targeted by Pakistan, however when cross-referenced with older imagery the damage predates current incidents & is visible in March 2025 as well pic.twitter.com/DVB83Qqgte
PM Modi’s visit and picture in front of S-400 Defence System is symbolic showing how Pakistan does nothing but spreads fake propaganda.
Significane of The Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit to Adampur Air Base on May 13, 2025, carried significant symbolism and strategic messaging amidst the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions following Operation Sindoor. The visit emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to national security and served as an important morale booster for the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel stationed at this crucial frontline base.
During the visit, which lasted nearly an hour, Modi interacted with IAF personnel and senior officers, lauding their courage, determination, and fearlessness. He described the experience of meeting such brave warriors as “very special” and conveyed India’s eternal gratitude to the armed forces for their sacrifices. This reinforced the nation’s commitment to supporting the armed forces in safeguarding India’s sovereignty and security .
The Prime Minister was also briefed on the ongoing security situation, including operational logistics, and the base’s pivotal role in defending against Pakistani missile and drone attacks during the recent conflict. Pakistan had earlier claimed that it had inflicted significant damage on Adampur, including to its S-400 air defense system; however, Indian satellite imagery and the Prime Minister’s visit effectively refuted these claims, proving that the base remained fully operational and intact .
From a strategic standpoint, Modi’s visit was a clear signal to adversaries about India’s military readiness and resolve. It demonstrated that despite provocations, India’s frontline defenses remain robust and ready to respond effectively. Defense experts interpreted the visit as a reaffirmation of India’s “new doctrine”, emphasizing a no-tolerance policy towards terrorism and nuclear blackmail, with a strong focus on decisive retaliation and sustained vigilance .
In a heartfelt tribute to the Indian Armed Forces’ successful execution of Operation Sindoor, at least 17 newborns in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district have been named ‘Sindoor’. The unique naming trend emerged after India’s retaliatory strike on terrorist bases in Pakistan, carried out in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
Most of these babies were born on May 9 and 10, just days after the operation, and their names now serve as living reminders of a moment that stirred patriotic fervor across the country. In Kushinagar, a region known for its deep-rooted traditions, the decision to name children ‘Sindoor’ also marked a symbolic break from convention. In many Hindu households in eastern UP, names are typically chosen by the paternal aunt, but the emotion following Operation Sindoor has overruled long-held customs.
“My baby was born on May 9, two days after our brave soldiers avenged the Pahalgam attack. While I empathize with the bereaved families, I also wish to thank the soldiers who guard our borders. So, I named my daughter ‘Sindoor’ as a tribute to them,” said Neha Gupta, one of the mothers who chose the name.
The name ‘Sindoor’, traditionally representing marital commitment among Hindu women, has now taken on broader symbolic meaning. Following the Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of several soldiers, it is being embraced as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and national unity.
Dr R.K. Shahi, principal of Government Medical College (Autonomous) in Kushinagar, confirmed that 17 babies delivered at the hospital were named ‘Sindoor’. “Sindoor has become a symbol of sacrifice and national unity after India’s counter-terror operation in Pakistan,” he said, noting the strong wave of patriotic emotion witnessed in the hospital’s maternity ward.
Local social activist Rajesh Mani explained that the trend reflects a “collective emotion and shared feeling of pride” in the district. “A good number of families in Kushinagar and surrounding districts have a member serving in the armed forces. The naming of these children reflects deep respect for the sacrifices made,” he said.
Archana Shahi from Bhedihari village, who named her daughter ‘Sindoor’, said she had made the decision even before the child’s birth. “Sindoor now stands for courage and resilience. This name is my way of saying thank you to our soldiers,” she said, while her husband, Ajit, added, “We live in safety because of them. This is the least we could do.”
As these newborns begin their lives carrying a name steeped in meaning, their stories reflect a nation’s gratitude and a district’s proud tribute to its defenders.
