Varanasi, Oct 2026 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Varanasi ahead of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ‘Wings Over Ganga’ air show, highlighting the event’s importance for national defence, industrial development and India’s cultural heritage.
In a post on social media platform X, Yogi said the skies over Kashi would showcase the courage, strength and aerial capabilities of the Indian Air Force as part of celebrations marking its 94th anniversary.
Welcoming the Prime Minister and Defence Minister to the sacred city of Baba Vishwanath, the Chief Minister invited them to witness the aerial display scheduled at Namo Ghat along the banks of the Ganga.
“The sky over the immortal Kashi will be adorned with pride by the valour and prowess of the Indian Air Force,” Yogi said in his message.
IAF Air Show to Showcase India’s Military Capabilities
Titled ‘Wings Over Ganga’, the air show is being organised to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The programme is expected to feature fighter aircraft, helicopters and transport aircraft, demonstrating the IAF’s operational strength, precision flying and coordination.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to attend the Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026 at Namo Ghat as the Chief Guest. The event is expected to draw attention to India’s growing defence capabilities and the role of indigenous military platforms in strengthening national security.
Aircraft expected to participate include the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, the SU-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets, along with transport aircraft.
Aircraft from the Indian Navy and the Indian Army are also expected to join the programme, highlighting the importance of joint operational coordination among India’s armed forces.
The Indian Air Force’s renowned Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and Sarang Helicopter Display Team are also scheduled to perform. Their displays are expected to feature coordinated formations, precision manoeuvres and spectacular aerial demonstrations over the Ganga.
Modi had built anticipation for the event through a post on Facebook on Saturday, writing, “The countdown begins, Wings over Ganges, tomorrow in Varanasi.”
Arvind Limited Garment Unit to Boost Industrial Growth
Alongside the defence event, the Prime Minister’s visit is expected to advance the region’s industrial development agenda. Yogi announced that Modi would inaugurate a new garment manufacturing unit of Arvind Limited.
According to the Chief Minister, the facility is expected to provide fresh momentum to the textile sector, create opportunities for industrial expansion and strengthen economic activity in the region.
Yogi described the occasion as a convergence of national defence, industrial progress and India’s enduring cultural traditions on the banks of the Ganga.
The event places Varanasi, Modi’s parliamentary constituency, in the spotlight, combining an aerial showcase of the Indian Air Force with a focus on manufacturing and regional development.
