MiG-21 fighter jet bids adieu, Rajnath Singh calls it proof of "deep India-Russia ties"

The Russian-origin MiG-21 fighter jet's farewell ceremony was held in Chandigarh on Friday, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who hailed the contribution of the Russian-origin aircraft. He called it a proof of deep India-Russia ties, saying, "MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or machine, but also deep India-Russia ties." 

Rajnath Singh's statements come at a time when there are tensions between India and the US. The Trump administration is also trying to pressure India to stop purchasing Russian oil by imposing tariffs. Despite the turbulence, India and Russia have firmly maintained that they have deep diplomatic and trade ties, which aren't influenced by any "external factors."  

Singh recalled the role of MiG-21 fighter jets during the India-Pakistan war in 1971, wherein the outcome of the war was determined on the day when the fighter jets attacked the Governor's house in Dhaka. He said, "Who can forget the 1971 war. During the war with Pakistan, in adverse circumstances, the MiG-21 attacked the Governor's House in Dhaka, and on that very day, it outlined the result of that war." 

#WATCH | Chandigarh: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Who can forget the 1971 war. During the war with Pakistan, in adverse circumstances, the MiG-21 attacked the Governor's House in Dhaka, and on that very day, it outlined the result of that war. Besides this, in its long… pic.twitter.com/oh7mwdB4VF

— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2025

He highlighted that the MiG-21 fighter jets have upheld the honour of the national flag every time during a historic mission. Stating, "Besides this, in its long history, there have been many such occasions when the MiG-21 proved its decisive capacity. Whenever there have been historic missions, every time the MiG-21 has enhanced the honour of the tricolour."

Adding, "Therefore, this farewell is also of our collective memories, of our national pride, and of that journey, in which the story of courage, sacrifice, and excellence has been written." 

The journey of MiG-21 in India

MiG-21 fighter jets were formally admitted to service in the 1960s. After nearly six decades, the Indian Air Force's first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft took its last flight on Friday. 

The first-ever MiG-21 squadron was led by Dilbagh Singh, who took over as India's IAF Chief in 1981. MiG-21 fighter jets played a pivotal role during India's 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, with their continued dominance in the 1999 Kargil war and the 2019 Balakot strikes. 

The farewell ceremony was also attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshall AP Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.