Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 25 October 2026, attended the Indian Air Force (IAF)'s 'Wings Over Ganges' air show at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, held over the River Ganga to mark the force's 94th anniversary. The event drew massive crowds to the ghats and was attended by senior government leaders, showcasing the IAF's full-spectrum air power over one of India's most iconic riverscapes.

Key Dignitaries and the Occasion

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present alongside the Prime Minister at the event. The air show was organised to commemorate 94 years of the Indian Air Force, spotlighting the force's operational capabilities, precision flying, and inter-service coordination. Prime Minister Modi's arrival drew enthusiastic crowds lining the route from the police lines to Namo Ghat, with BJP workers and local residents greeting him with rose petals, traditional music, and cultural performances. Chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Jai Shri Ram' echoed as Modi stood on the footboard of his vehicle to acknowledge well-wishers.

Aircraft and Aerial Formations on Display

The display featured a formidable roster of aircraft: the indigenously built Tejas fighter, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, Su-30MKI, Rafale, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, P-8I, IL-78, and an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system aircraft, among several transport and military platforms.

The second phase opened with three Mi-17 V-5 helicopters carrying the national flag and the IAF flag in the 'Omkar' formation, led by Group Captain Anuj Gupta. The 'Bhagirathi' diamond formation featured LCH and Apache helicopters, while the Tridev formation brought together the Indian Navy's Kamov 31 helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark 3 platforms from the IAF and the Indian Army — a visible demonstration of tri-service coordination. The 'Neelkanth' formation saw three Rafale jets fly in a V-formation, led by Squadron Leader Kaustubh Nalawade.

A flare display by Rudra aircraft, helmed by Wing Commander S. Bhargava, added a dramatic visual element, while flowers showered from the sky lent a ceremonial touch. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), operating nine red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, painted the skies with signature formations and aerobatic routines. Notably, the indigenous Tejas fighter concluded its segment with a distinctive 'Spider-Man farewell' manoeuvre. Other formations — named Freelocean, Nataraj, Mahadev, and Vishwanath — carried thematic resonance with Varanasi's cultural identity.

Crowd and Security at the Ghats

Large crowds assembled at Namo Ghat, Bhosale Ghat, and along the opposite bank of the Ganga toward Ramnagar to witness the aerial display. Extensive security was deployed, including personnel from the Water Police, the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with divers stationed at Namo Ghat and surrounding areas.

Garment Unit Inauguration: Boost for Varanasi's Textile Sector

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a new garment manufacturing unit of Arvind Ltd in the Mirzamurad area of Varanasi. The facility is aimed at promoting industrial development in the region and strengthening India's textile and garment manufacturing sector, according to officials. During the visit, Modi interacted with around 300 women at the facility.

The new unit is expected to generate employment opportunities, with a particular focus on women workers, while boosting local economic activity. Officials also indicated the facility is designed to link garments manufactured in Varanasi with international customers by facilitating access to global markets, opening fresh avenues for the region's textile and garment industry. This aligns with the Centre's broader push to position Varanasi — already a hub for the famed Banarasi silk weave — as a modern industrial and export destination.

Significance and What Comes Next

The dual visit — combining a high-profile military showcase with an industrial inauguration — underscores the government's strategy of using Varanasi, the Prime Minister's own parliamentary constituency, as a platform for national-scale announcements. The IAF's 94th anniversary air show over the Ganga is the first such large-scale public display in the city, and is expected to amplify the force's outreach campaign ahead of planned modernisation milestones. The Arvind Ltd garment unit, meanwhile, adds to a string of industrial investments funnelled into eastern Uttar Pradesh in recent years.