September 19, 2026 01:52 pm (IST)
Follow us:
facebook-white sharing button
twitter-white sharing button
instagram-white sharing button
youtube-white sharing button
Congress' Nandigram candidate arrested after Mamata's support amid TMC symbol row; Bengal bypoll gets chaotic | Gurugram murder shocker: Groom-to-be leaves sisters at Delhi restaurant to meet ex-colleague, found dead days later | Delhi horror: Teen allegedly gangraped, stabbed to death and dumped in field; dogs eat parts of body | TMC name, symbol frozen: EC tells rival factions to pick new identities ahead of Bengal bypolls | Married just 17 days ago: Hyderabad engineer mysteriously found dead at US home | ‘We will promote cash’: New UPI charge triggers trader backlash, Opposition protests | Gurugram biker crash: Main accused Kalyan Bainsla sent to police custody for 2 days | ‘Just tax collection’: Ashneer Grover slams new UPI charges above Rs 2,000 | India condemns Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia, warns of threat to Red Sea shipping | Gurugram biker hit by car: Two including main accused arrested after viral road rage video, attempt to murder case filed

IAF celebrates 87th anniversary; President, PM greet 'brave men and women in blue'

| @indiablooms | Oct 08, 2019, at 12:26 pm

New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI): As India celebrates the 87th Air Force day, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday congratulated 'brave men and women in blue' and expressed gratitude towards the IAF's courage and commitment.

'On Air Force Day, we proudly honour our air warriors, veterans, and families of the Indian Air Force. They safeguard our skies with courage and commitment. India remains forever indebted to the brave men and women in blue for their selfless devotion and sacrifice,' President Kovind said in a tweet.

Taking to twitter to post a tribute video for the IAF, the Prime Minister said, 'Today, on Air Force Day, a proud nation expresses gratitude to our air warriors and their families. The Indian Air Force continues to serve India with utmost dedication and excellence.'

In his message, the Defence Minister, who is in France to acquire the first of the 36 Rafale aircraft for the nation, greeted IAF personal and families and said, “The IAF is the shining example of exemplary courage, fortitude, determination and impeccable service to our nation. These men and women in Blue have the ability to touch the sky with grit and glory".

On the occasion of the Air Force day, the heads of the three services of Indian Armed Forces, Army Chief Bipin Rawat, IAF Chief, RKS Bhadauria and Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh also paid their tribute at National War Memorial in the national capital.

Referring to the recent Balakot strike by the IAF, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted, 'Sincere and heart-felt greetings to the IAF on their 87th anniversary. Your recent successful operation in Balakot overwhelmed all Indians. Professionalism, great leadership, and excellence are your hallmark. Wishing you every success in the future too.'

The IAF was formally established on October 8, 1932 and on its 87th anniversary, the IAF greeted all air warriors and their families, and said, "On the occasion of 87th Anniversary, Indian Air Force extends its heartfelt greetings to the courageous air-warriors & their families. The Courage, Valour, Commitment, Dedication and Zeal are inspiration for all"

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, 'On Air Force Day, my heartiest greetings to all IAF personnel and their families. We salute you for serving and protecting the nation. Jai Hind.' 

Support Our Journalism

We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism

IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.

Support objective journalism for a small contribution.