PM Modi Visits Adampur Airbase, Congratulates Soldiers on ‘Operation Sindoor’ Success Amid Tensions with Pakistan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unannounced visit to the Adampur Airbase near Jalandhar on Tuesday morning, meeting with Indian Air Force officers and personnel following the recent military escalation with Pakistan.
During his visit, PM Modi congratulated the forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory airstrike carried out between May 6 and 7 in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The operation reportedly eliminated over 100 terrorists in Pakistan-occupied territory.
Sharing his experience on social media, the Prime Minister wrote:
“This morning, I visited the Air Force Station in Adampur and met our brave air warriors. Being among those who symbolize courage, determination, and fearlessness was a deeply special experience. India will always be grateful to our armed forces for their unmatched service to the nation.”
Modi spent about an hour at the strategically important base, located 21 km from Jalandhar and just 100 km from the India-Pakistan border. It is the second-largest airbase in northern India and home to the IAF’s 47th Squadron, known as the “Black Archers,” which operates MiG-29 fighter jets.
The visit comes amid Pakistan’s unverified claim that it damaged the Adampur Airbase using a hypersonic missile launched from its JF-17 fighter jet on May 10. However, Indian defense officials, including Colonel Sofia Qureshi at a Ministry of External Affairs press briefing, dismissed the claim as false and misleading.
Background on the Conflict
Operation Sindoor was launched as a swift and forceful response to the Pahalgam attack, targeting terrorist camps across the border. Following the Indian strike, Pakistan initiated its own wave of attacks using drones, rockets, and missiles. India’s air defense system reportedly intercepted and neutralized most of them mid-air.
In a televised address to the nation on Monday night—51 hours after the ceasefire between the two countries—PM Modi spoke for 22 minutes, covering the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, ceasefire developments, terrorism, the Indus Waters Treaty, and the status of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“We have eliminated the terrorists who defiled the vermilion of our mothers and sisters,” Modi said, referring to the symbolism behind the operation’s name.
Historical Significance of Adampur
Adampur Airbase has a legacy of resilience. During the 1965 war, it was one of the key targets of the Pakistani Air Force but withstood the assault. On September 7, 1965, Pakistan parachuted 135 commandos into Adampur, Pathankot, and Halwara. The Indian Army countered effectively—only 10 commandos reportedly made it back to Pakistan, with the rest either killed or captured.
PM Modi’s visit signals a strong message of national resolve and support for the armed forces, amid renewed military tensions in the region.
