Modi watches fighter jets roar across the sky in Varanasi at an IAF air show
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Indian Air Force (IAF) ‘Wings over Ganges’ air show at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on Sunday (October 25, 2026) where IAF teams performed aerial maneuvers over the Ganges.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied Mr Modi on the last day of the three-day event, organized to mark the 94th anniversary of the IAF.
Wearing a white air force cap and dark sunglasses, Mr. Modi watched as fighter jets rumbled across the city. The air show lasted over an hour. According to IAF officials, the exhibition featured displays of fighter jets, including the Sukhoi-30 MKI, indigenous Tejas and LCH Prachand, as well as helicopters.
Officials said the highlight of the show was the ‘Kashi formation’, in which three Kiran aircraft flew in a V formation, creating a spectacle in the colors of the tricolour. The exhibition drew loud cheers from the crowd. During the “Omkar formation”, Mi-17 helicopters flying the national flag.
Fighter jets, including Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar, along with transport aircraft and helicopters, showcased the IAF’s operational capabilities, officials said. The Surya Kiran aerobatic team demonstrated precision flying and coordinated maneuvers, while the Sarang helicopter display team performed aerial stunts. Some people waved the tricolor while chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ rang out across the venue.
Mr. Modi’s presence drew large crowds on the road from Police Lines to Namo Ghat. BJP workers and residents welcomed him with rose petals, traditional musical performances and cultural programs at designated places along the route.
Welcome points, many with tents, have been set up at Police Lines main gate, Police Lines crossing, Yes Bank on Khajuri-Maqbool Alam Road, Hukulganj Tirumuhani, Chowkaghat wooden market, City Railway Station, Gol Gadda crossing, railway underpass and CNG station near Namo Ghat.
As the Prime Minister stood on the platform of his vehicle, people raised slogans of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” to acknowledge the crowds.
Divakar Singh, who attended the event, said it was a matter of pride for Varanasi. “It is an unforgettable experience to watch the Indian Air Force show at Namo Ghat in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The spirituality of Kashi combined with the power of fighter jets in the sky fills us with pride,” he said.
He added that the event will inspire children and young people to develop respect for the country and the spirit of national service.
Another spectator, Govind Pandey, said watching the event alongside Mr Modi, who represents Varanasi in Parliament, made the experience particularly memorable. Such demonstrations could inspire youngsters to join the Air Force, he added.
The PM opens the clothing unit
Earlier in the day, Mr. Modi inaugurated the garment manufacturing unit of Arvind Ltd. in the Mirzamurad area of Varanasi. Officials said the facility aims to boost industrial development in the region and strengthen India’s textile and apparel industry.
During the visit, the Prime Minister also interacted with around 300 women.
Officials said the unit is expected to create jobs, especially for women, and boost local economic activity. It is also expected to connect garments made in Varanasi with international customers by providing access to global markets, officials said.
Mr. Modi arrived at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday morning and traveled by helicopter to Mirzamurad for the inauguration. He subsequently flew to the police lines before proceeding along the road to Namo Ghat.
Published – 25 Oct 2026 15:38 IST