In a powerful display of India’s military pride, President Droupadi Murmu met Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh — India’s first woman Rafale pilot — during her Rafale sortie at the Ambala Air Force base on Wednesday. The meeting came days after Pakistan attempted to spread false propaganda during Operation Sindoor, claiming that Shivangi Singh had been captured after her aircraft was allegedly shot down near Sialkot.

The Indian Air Force swiftly rubbished these fabricated claims, releasing photographs of Squadron Leader Singh attending her felicitation ceremony to debunk the misinformation. The IAF reaffirmed that Singh was safe and continuing her duties with distinction, calling Pakistan’s narrative a desperate attempt at misinformation.

Earlier this month, on October 10, the IAF had released a photograph of Shivangi Singh after she was awarded the prestigious Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) badge — a milestone that marks her entry into the elite cadre of instructors in the Air Force. The recognition was conferred during the valedictory ceremony of the 159th Qualified Flying Instructor Course (QFIC) held on October 9 at the Flying Instructors School, Air Force Station Tambaram. The ceremony was graced by Air Marshal Tejbir Singh, SASO Training Command, as the Chief Guest.

The conferral of the QFI badge signifies not only Shivangi Singh’s professional excellence and dedication but also the growing strength of women officers in India’s armed forces. A member of the Golden Arrows Squadron based in Ambala, Singh played a key role during Operation Sindoor, when the Indian Air Force effectively responded to aerial provocations from Pakistan with precision and courage.