Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 30: Outgoing Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who led the Indian Air Force (IAF) during Operation Sindoor, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, a day ahead of his retirement after four decades of distinguished service.
Air Chief Marshal Singh was accompanied by his wife, Sarita Singh, during the meeting.
Sharing photographs of the meeting, the President's Secretariat said in a post on X, "The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh along with spouse Smt Sarita Singh called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan."
The outgoing Air Chief had also called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh three days earlier, when the latter extended his warm wishes ahead of his retirement.
According to the Ministry of Defence, Rajnath Singh hosted a farewell for Air Chief Marshal Singh on October 26, in recognition of his 42 years of distinguished service to the nation.
Photographs of the farewell, held before the Defence Minister's departure on a foreign visit, were shared by the Ministry of Defence on its X handle on Friday.
During the meeting, Rajnath Singh commended the outgoing Air Chief for his exemplary leadership, distinguished service and invaluable contributions to the IAF and the country.
He acknowledged Singh's significant role in the successful execution of Operation Sindoor and his efforts towards strengthening the operational capabilities of the Air Force. The Defence Minister also wished him success in his future endeavours.
Air Chief Marshal Singh is scheduled to retire on October 31. As part of his formal farewell, he will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial to pay homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.
He will subsequently inspect a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Air Force Station, New Delhi, before formally superannuating from the service.
Air Chief Marshal Singh began his flying career with his maiden flight on January 28, 1984, and remained associated with fighter aircraft throughout his tenure in the IAF.
During his leadership, the Air Force maintained a strong focus on operational readiness, modern military capabilities and preparedness to meet evolving security challenges. The IAF also carried out Operation Sindoor under his leadership, targeting Pakistani terror infrastructure.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will assume charge as the next Chief of the Air Staff on October 31.