Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Indian Air Force’s Adampur Air Base in Punjab, focusing on providing support to the nation’s armed forces amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. This visit comes just days after the Pakistan Air Force conducted an airstrike on the base on May 10, 2025, marking a continuation of the recent military standoff.
During his visit, PM Modi received briefings from senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officers regarding operational readiness and the challenges arising from the ongoing hostilities. He took the opportunity to interact with air warriors, commending their courage and professionalism while expressing confidence in the IAF’s capabilities to protect the country’s airspace.
Visuals from the event featured the Prime Minister alongside IAF personnel in front of a MiG-21 model, complemented by a signboard emblazoned with, “Why Enemy Pilots Don’t Sleep Well,” symbolizing the combat legacy of the Adampur base. Historically significant, Adampur has served a critical role in conflicts with Pakistan, particularly during the 1965 war, and remains a strategic location for India’s northern air defences.
The visit is interpreted as a morale-boosting gesture in the aftermath of the May 10 attack, when Pakistani forces employed unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and fighter jets to target Indian bases in Adampur, Udhampur, Pathankot, and Bhuj. With swift responses from Indian air defences, most threats were neutralized, and while some damage occurred, military officials maintained that operational capabilities remained largely unaffected.
Tensions rose significantly following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, attributed to Pakistan-backed militants that resulted in the death of 26 civilians. In retaliation, India implemented Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan-administered Kashmir and parts of Punjab, further inflaming the situation. The rise in military activity from Pakistan, coupled with hardline statements from its Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, has only added to the strain.
In his address at the base, PM Modi underscored the importance of bolstering indigenous defense capabilities, pointing to the IAF’s increasing dependence on Indian-manufactured aircraft, such as the Tejas fighter jet. He also paid homage to the legacy of the MiG-21s, which have been part of the Indian arsenal for decades; these aircraft played a pivotal role in the 2019 aerial engagement that saw Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shoot down a Pakistani F-16.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Adampur sends a potent message: India stands resolutely with its armed forces and is prepared to respond firmly to any threats, while also indicating a commitment to non-escalation should Pakistan choose to pursue peace. Military and strategic experts view this visit as a reassurance to the domestic audience and a clear signal to Pakistan and the global community of India’s resolve.
As the situation remains tense, Indian armed forces are on high alert, with diplomatic channels closely monitoring developments in the region, emphasizing the critical nature of the current geopolitical climate.
