In a creative celebration of its 93rd anniversary, the Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased its confidence and humor with a dinner menu that cleverly referenced Pakistan’s military challenges during Operation Sindoor. This four-day operation took place from May 7 to May 10, 2025, following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the death of 26 personnel.
Held at Punjab’s Adampur Airbase, the IAF presented a menu marked by playful yet pointed names that honored the Pakistani airbases and towns targeted by Indian precision strikes. Among the offerings were dishes like Rawalpindi Chicken Tikka Masala and Rafiqui Rhara Mutton, along with vegetarian options such as Bholari Paneer Methi Malai and Jacobabad Mewa Pulao. Each dish cleverly symbolized locations significantly impacted during the operation. Additional amusing entries included Sargodha Dal Makhani, Sukkur Sham Savera Kofta, and Bahawalpur Naan. Desserts humorously continued this theme, featuring Balakot Tiramisu, Muzaffarabad Kulfi Faluda, and Muridke Meetha Pan.
The menu gained widespread attention after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju posted a photo of it on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the cleverness of the items in relation to the military confrontation.
The backdrop of this culinary celebration, Operation Sindoor, was India’s decisive military response to the April 22 terror strike. In a strategic display of strength, the IAF targeted terror camps and military infrastructure deep within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, destroying nine camps and hitting 13 airbases while dealing a severe blow to militant operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur base shortly after the operation, effectively countering Pakistan’s claims of significant Indian losses and showcasing the intact capabilities of the IAF.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, during his address on IAF Day, praised the operation as a pivotal reaffirmation of India’s air power and its importance in national defense. He detailed Pakistan’s losses during Operation Sindoor, reporting that the nation had suffered the destruction of 12-13 aircraft, including advanced models like the F-16 and JF-17.
The playful menu served at the Adampur Airbase was not just a humorous take on a serious matter but also conveyed a powerful message of national pride and military capability. As one IAF officer noted, the dishes served were both flavorful and embedded with facts that would be difficult for the adversary to digest, symbolizing the strength and resolve of the Indian armed forces.
