(Image source from: x.com/rashtrapatibhvn)

President Droupadi Murmu took a 30-minute flight in a Rafale jet on Wednesday and was photographed with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh at the Ambala Air Force base in Haryana. This event dealt a significant setback to Pakistan's claims that a fighter jet had been shot down during Operation Sindoor and that she was taken as a prisoner of war. Singh, who is the first and only female pilot for Rafale in India, comes from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and joined the Indian Air Force in 2017, as part of the second group of women fighter pilots. In 2020, she was selected as a Rafale pilot, and on Wednesday, she demonstrated the new Rafale jets to the President, countering Pakistan’s allegations. Her name gained attention again during Operation Sindoor, which aimed to destroy terrorist locations in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror attack. At that time, Pakistan asserted that India had lost several jets, including a Rafale, and claimed Singh was captured near Sialkot after ejecting from her downed aircraft.

A video circulated online recently, suggesting that the IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, had visited Singh’s home. However, the government quickly denied this by clarifying on X that the video was actually from August 14, 2025, when AP Singh was visiting the family of the late Sergeant Surendra Kumar, who died while serving during Operation Sindoor in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. The government also addressed Pakistan's statements during briefings about Operation Sindoor. Air Marshal Bharti, the Director General of Air Operations for the Indian Air Force, stated that the forces had completed their goals and all pilots returned safely.

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

“We are in a situation of battle; losses are expected during combat. The important question for us is… have we succeeded in destroying the terrorist camps? The answer is a clear yes. And the results are visible for everyone," he commented. “As for specific details, like the numbers or what might have been lost… I prefer not to discuss that now because we are still engaged in battle. If I say anything, it might give the other side an upper hand. Therefore, we do not want to provide them with any advantage at this moment," he concluded.