Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attended the Indian Air Force’s air show ‘Wings over Ganges’ at Namo Ghat in Varanasi and witnessed a display of aerial manoeuvres by the IAF’s premier display teams.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied PM Modi on the final day of the three-day air show held to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The Surya Kiran aerobatic team showcased precision flying and coordinated manoeuvres, while the Sarang helicopter display team enthralled spectators with its aerial stunts. PM Modi’s presence at the event generated considerable enthusiasm among residents, with large numbers of people gathering along the route from the police lines to Namo Ghat to welcome the prime minister. BJP workers and local residents greeted PM Modi with rose petals, traditional musical performances and cultural programmes at designated points along the route. These points, many of them with tents, were erected at the Police Lines main gate, Police Lines crossing, Yes Bank on Khajuri-Maqbool Alam Road, Hukulganj Tirumuhani, Chowkaghat wood market, City Railway Station, Gol Gadda crossing, the railway underpass and the CNG station near Namo Ghat. Spectators expressed pride at witnessing the air show in the prime minister’s presence. Tight security arrangements are in place at all major locations, including the Ganga ghats.
The show features fighter aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30 MKI, indigenous Tejas and LCH Prachand, along with helicopter displays, according to Air Force officials. Three Kiran aircraft flew in a ‘V’ formation, creating a spectacle in the colours of the national flag, while Mi-17 helicopters carrying the tricolour participated in the Omkar formation. Earlier reporting noted: PM Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh to attend Air Force Day show in Varanasi today; security up along ghats, VVIP routes Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday will attend the final day of the Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026 in Varanasi to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF), officials said.
People raised slogans of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” as the prime minister stood on the footboard of his vehicle to acknowledge the crowds. Aircraft from the Indian Navy and the Indian Army will also participate, showcasing jointness in operations, the officials said.
Earlier reporting noted: The event titled ‘Wings over Ganges’ will be held at around 1pm at Namo Ghat and also be attended by Uttar Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Earlier reporting noted: The aerial display will feature aircraft including the Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, SU-30MKI and Rafale, along with transport aircraft.
PM Modi arrived at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday morning and travelled by helicopter to Mirzamurad for the inauguration. “It is a memorable experience to watch the Indian Air Force’s air show at Namo Ghat in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that the event would inspire children and young people to develop respect for the country and a spirit of national service. Such displays could inspire young people to join the Indian Air Force, he added. The initiative is also expected to connect garments manufactured in Varanasi with international customers through access to global markets. He subsequently flew to the Police Lines before proceeding by road to Namo Ghat. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
During the visit, the prime minister also interacted with around 300 women.
Divakar Singh, who attended the event, said it was a matter of great pride for Varanasi. The spirituality of Kashi, combined with the might of fighter aircraft in the sky, fills us with pride,” he said. Another spectator, Govind Pandey, said it was the first time he had witnessed an air show of this scale. He said watching the event alongside PM Modi, who represents Varanasi in Parliament, had made the experience particularly memorable. Officials said the facility aims to promote industrial development in the region and strengthen India’s textile and garment manufacturing sector. Officials said the new unit is expected to generate employment opportunities, particularly for women, and accelerate local economic activity.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated a new garment manufacturing unit of Arvind Ltd in the Mirzamurad area of Varanasi.
