In a surprise visit to the Adampur Air Force Station in Punjab on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel for their exceptional performance during Operation Sindoor. The Prime Minister's visit, which came days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, served as a powerful message of support for the armed forces and a rebuttal to Pakistan's claims of having damaged the airbase and destroyed India's S-400 air defense system.

Adampur Air Force Station, located approximately 25 kilometers from Jalandhar and within 100 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border, holds strategic importance for India's northern air defenses. The airbase has played a vital role in past conflicts with Pakistan, including the 1965 war when it was a prime target but remained unpenetrated. Currently, it houses some of the IAF's premier fighter squadrons, including MiG-29s and Su-30 MKIs, and is equipped with advanced surveillance and radar systems, crucial for safeguarding Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan. The first S-400 air defense unit was also deployed at the Adampur airbase in 2022.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that resulted in the death of 26 people. The IAF conducted precision strikes on multiple military air bases across Pakistan between May 8 and 10, targeting key infrastructure such as drone warfare command centers and aircraft deployment hubs. The operation aimed to send a clear message that aggression would not be tolerated.

During his visit, PM Modi interacted with air force personnel and senior officers to gather information and feedback on Operation Sindoor. He praised the "brave air warriors and soldiers" and said that India is eternally grateful to the armed forces for their courage, determination, and fearlessness. Modi emphasized the importance of decisive action against state-sponsored terror attacks and declared that "Operation Sindoor is the new normal," signaling a shift in India's approach to cross-border terrorism.

PM Modi also took the opportunity to debunk Pakistan's false claims of destroying India's S-400 air defense system by posing in front of it at the Adampur airbase. This act served as a clear message that Pakistan's disinformation campaign would not be tolerated. The Ministry of External Affairs had previously exposed Pakistan's false claims about damaging the S-400 and BrahMos missile base.

The Prime Minister's visit to Adampur airbase and his commendation of Operation Sindoor highlight the government's commitment to national security and its unwavering support for the armed forces. It also sends a strong signal to Pakistan that India will not hesitate to take decisive action to protect its interests and respond to terrorist threats.