President Murmu’s Rafale flight with Shivangi Singh sends strong message to Pakistan

In a landmark moment, President Droupadi Murmu took to the skies in a Rafale fighter jet from the Ambala Air Force Base on Wednesday. While it seemed like a ceremonial sortie, it carried a strong message to Pakistan, especially as she flew with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s first woman Rafale pilot.

A Subtle Response to False Claims

President Murmu’s flight came months after Pakistan’s false claims that Shivangi Singh had been captured during Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Those claims were quickly dismissed, but Murmu’s flight alongside Singh served as a symbolic rebuttal, showcasing India’s confidence and pride in its Air Force.

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India’s Decisive Retaliation

In May, after the terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking terror bases deep inside Pakistan. While Pakistan’s media claimed to have downed Indian jets, the Indian government revealed that Pakistan lost six aircraft, including four F-16s and two JF-17s, exposing Islamabad’s lies.

President Droupadi Murmu took a sortie in a Rafale aircraft at Air Force Station, Ambala, Haryana. She is the first President of India to take sortie in two fighter aircrafts of the Indian Air Force. Earlier, she took a sortie in Sukhoi 30 MKI in 2023. pic.twitter.com/Rvj1ebaCou

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 29, 2025

A Moment of Pride

During Wednesday’s sortie, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh led the formation flight while Group Captain Amit Gehani piloted the President’s jet. The 30-minute flight covered about 200 km, reaching 15,000 feet and speeds of 700 km/h.
After landing, President Murmu called the experience “unforgettable,” adding that it filled her with pride in India’s defence capabilities.

President Murmu’s Rafale flight was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a declaration of strength, dignity, and national confidence. Flying with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, she sent a clear message: India’s skies and its spirit remain invincible.