President Droupadu Murmu on Wednesday took sortie in mighty Rafale jets from the Ambala airbase. Donning a G-suit and sporting sunglasses, Murmu, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces, was seen posing for pictures and flashing a thumbs-up gesture before the French-made jet went into the skies.

It was flown by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, at 11:27 am. The president taking sorties in fighter planes is not a new thing, as previously she had undertaken a sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI in April 2023 from Tezpur in Assam.

But this particular sortie, venue and photos did serve another purpose as well. The airbase was key to India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May.

Apart from this, it was seen that President Murmu posed with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Rafale jet pilot Pakistan lied about capturing during four-night of battle.

About Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh

India had launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror sites in PoK days after the Pahalgam massacre. While Indian forces focused on planning and precision, Pakistan inclined to fake news and propaganda. It claimed downing Rafale jets, as well as capturing Squadron leader Shivangi Singh.

India denied the claims, and months after on Wednesday, the truth was put forth before the world unmasking Pakistan’s sinister plans.

Pilot Shivani Singh was born in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi. A graduate of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), she was part of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air Wing, which led her to the Indian Air Force. She joined the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad. There, she trained rigorously before being commissioned in 2017 as part of the second batch of women fighter pilots.

As for the damage, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh had said Pakistan lost six aircraft, including four US-made F-16 and China-provided JF-17 fighter jets.

President Murmu’s Rafale sortie

Sharing her experience of flying in the Rafale jets, President Murmu said it was “unforgettable”. “This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities,” she said.

“I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station, Ambala for organising this sortie successfully,” the President added.

Air Chief Marshal Singh also piloted a separate Rafale when President Murmu flew inside another Rafale plane.