Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Bhuj Air Force Station in Gujarat on Friday, May 16, 2025, to interact with the Indian Air Force personnel stationed there. Air Force Chief Air Marshal AP Singh accompanied the Defence Minister during the visit. This visit occurred a day after Singh concluded a trip to the Badami Bagh Cantt in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, where he met with Indian Army soldiers.

The Bhuj Air Force Station holds strategic importance and was among the installations targeted by the Pakistan military recently. Singh's visit aimed to assess the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces in the area and to review the enhanced security measures implemented following Pakistan's drone incursions. During his visit, he was briefed on the current security situation and operational preparedness by senior commanders. Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, was also present and briefed the Defence Minister on the role of the Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF) operating under the Bhuj-based Independent Infantry Brigade.

The visit took place amidst ongoing tensions and a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which has been extended until May 18. The Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) from both countries are scheduled to hold talks to review the border situation. These developments follow the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor launched by India to target terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This operation led to strikes and counter-strikes between the two nations, escalating bilateral tensions.

During the recent military buildup, Pakistani forces targeted the Bhuj airbase, along with the base in Naliya and Nagaur village, using drones. However, the Indian air defense mechanism successfully thwarted these attacks.

Prior to his visit, Rajnath Singh expressed his anticipation to meet the "courageous Air Warriors" at the Bhuj Air Force Station in a social media post. He also mentioned his intention to visit Smritivan, a memorial and museum in Bhuj. Smritivan is a tribute to those who lost their lives in the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and was envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Furthermore, coinciding with Rajnath Singh's visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan offered dialogue with India for peace, stating Pakistan's readiness to engage in talks. Sharif made these remarks during a visit to the Kamra air base in Punjab province, where he interacted with officers and soldiers involved in the recent military confrontation with India.