Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unannounced visit to Adampur air base near Jalandhar, engaging with air force personnel pivotal to Operation Sindoor, reinforcing India’s gratitude for their courage amid recent tensions with Pakistan.
By Our Correspondent
New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise visit to Adampur air base, 25km from Jalandhar, Punjab, on Tuesday morning to meet air force personnel who played a critical role in Operation Sindoor. Arriving at 6:15 AM, Modi spent nearly 50 minutes interacting with soldiers and senior officers, gathering insights on the operation that targeted terror sites in Pakistan. The visit, kept highly confidential, followed his national address on Monday night, underscoring the government’s focus on bolstering military morale.
Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Success
Adampur air base was instrumental in ensuring air defence during the intense conflict with Pakistan following India’s strikes on May 7 under Operation Sindoor. The operation prompted a temporary halt in military actions on May 10, with India reserving the right to resume based on Pakistan’s conduct. Modi’s discussions with Indian Air Force (IAF) commanders covered logistics, ongoing preparations, and the operation’s impact. A senior official noted the visit aimed to uplift the spirits of troops countering Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks.
Adampur Under Fire: Recent Challenges
The air base faced direct threats during the conflict, with Pakistan targeting Adampur alongside other IAF bases like Pathankot, Bathinda, and Udhampur on May 9-10. Debris from a projectile struck Kanganiwal village near Jalandhar on May 9, injuring a migrant labourer and damaging homes and vehicles. On May 12, an explosive-laden projectile was found in Chuharwali village near the base, safely defused by authorities. These incidents highlight the base’s strategic importance and the risks faced by personnel.
Nation Salutes Armed Forces
Modi’s visit resonated widely, with a 13-second video shared on X by former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh, praising the armed forces’ courage. In a post on X, Modi expressed gratitude, calling the interaction a “special experience” with warriors epitomizing fearlessness. Jalandhar’s deputy commissioner, Himanshu Aggarwal, confirmed the visit’s secrecy, noting that local administration was unaware, emphasizing its high-level coordination and national significance.
PM Modi’s visit to Adampur air base reaffirms India’s unwavering support for its armed forces. As tensions with Pakistan linger, his gesture underscores the nation’s resolve to stand firm against external threats.
