‘Magnificent’: IAF aerial show at Varanasi impresses PM Modi

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) air show, 'Wings over Ganges', at Namo Ghat in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh impressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described it as "magnificent."

On Sunday, PM Modi, along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and UP Governor Anandiben Patel, attended the air show, which was held to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the IAF.

The show, which spanned three days, featured nearly 100 aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30 MKI, indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, and Rafale, along with transport aircraft.

The Prime Minister witnessed the event on the third and final day of the air show. Taking to social media, Modi tweeted, "Varanasi air show… Magnificent!"

PM Modi wore a white Air Force cap and dark sunglasses as the IAF's spectacular aerial displays filled the skies over the holy city.

Three Kiran aircraft, flying in a 'V' formation, created a spectacle in the colors of the national flag, while Mi-17 helicopters carrying the tricolour flew in the Omkar formation.

Other aerial stunts performed included the precision flying and coordinated manoeuvres of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and the performance by the Sarang Helicopter Display Team.

The show lasted for over an hour.

Aircraft from 12 air bases across the country participated in the three-day event.

The presence of the Prime Minister at the event raised much enthusiasm among the people. They 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.