Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unexpected visit to the Adampur Air Force Station in Punjab on Tuesday, saluting the staff who participated in the brazen Operation Sindoor. Yet, it was one photo of his visit that took center stage — a photo that quietly killed Pakistan’s recent propaganda drive. In the Prime Minister’s background, as he returned the salute, stood the very S-400 air defense system that Pakistan had lied about destroying.
As the photo was shared on social media, social media users saw the symbolism the moment it appeared. “Observe the backdrop of every picture. There’s a message to Pakistan and the world,” one user noted. Another tweeted, “A photo at Adampur Airbase, with 2 reasons behind Pakistan’s defeat in the shortest possible time; 1. S-400 symbolizes the strength of the Indian Military 2. Modi Ji symbolizes visionary leadership.
Sharing some more glimpses from my visit to AFS Adampur. pic.twitter.com/G9NmoAZvTR
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 13, 2025
The S-400 Power: Fact vs. Rhetoric
Pakistan had previously claimed that its JF-17 fighter aircraft destroyed India’s S-400 system in its missile attack on the Adampur base. However, the recently viral image of the intact S-400 launcher still in operational shape unveiled the unfounded element of the claims.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh had earlier dismissed these claims in a press briefing, indicting Pakistan on purposeful disinformation. According to her, “Pakistan has also attempted to execute a continued malicious misinformation campaign, with claims of destruction of the Indian S-400 system, destruction of airfields at Surat and Sirsa… India unequivocally rejects these false claims being spread by Pakistan.”
Strong Message by PM Modi to India and the World
Modi’s visit was more than ceremonial — it was symbolic. As he waved his fist and addressed the brave airmen, the message was unmistakable. The Indian Prime Minister was not only commending their efforts but also publicly standing with the men who helped neutralise one of the gravest cross-border threats in recent years.
Earlier this morning, I went to AFS Adampur and met our brave air warriors and soldiers. It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination, and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation. pic.twitter.com/RYwfBfTrV2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 13, 2025
In another blog, PM Modi stated, “Earlier this morning, I went to AFS Adampur and met our brave air warriors and soldiers. It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination, and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation.”
The Technological Edge That Made the Difference
India’s deployment of the S-400 Triumf, the world’s most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile system, was instrumental in the four-day war. Equipped to detect and neutralize airborne threats such as planes, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, the S-400 intercepted and destroyed dozens of Pakistani drones and missiles.
