Ghaziabad, Oct 2026 : Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on Thursday highlighted the force’s role in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief both within India and abroad, saying such missions reflected the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, or the belief that the world is one family.
Addressing the Indian Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad, the IAF Chief said the force was known not only for its combat capabilities but also for its commitment to serving the nation and humanity during crises.
“The Indian Air Force is renowned not only for its combat capability, but also for an unwavering commitment to serving the nation and humanity when the time comes,” Singh said.
He noted that IAF personnel had responded promptly to natural disasters and other emergencies, including devastating floods and severe wildlife fires in different parts of the country.
“Our air warriors have promptly responded to devastating floods and severe wildlife fires in various regions by protecting lives and property and delivering relief to the affected people,” he said.
Singh said the IAF’s humanitarian role extended beyond India’s borders, with the force participating in disaster relief and assistance missions in different parts of the world.
“Our commitment extended beyond our borders. We have been consistently promoting the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions around the world,” he said.
The Air Chief also spoke about the importance of leadership and accountability within the force. He said IAF commanders were increasingly delegating responsibilities to improve decision-making, while airmen across ranks were being encouraged to develop their leadership qualities.
Emphasising the contribution of every individual, Singh said every airman was an important part of the organisation and should take pride in his or her duties and responsibilities.
He urged personnel to remain determined and ensure that they did not become a weak link in the chain of the force, particularly during challenging situations.
“Every airman is an important part of their organisation. We should all feel proud of our duties and responsibilities,” Singh said.
He further underlined the importance of professional training in maintaining the IAF’s operational preparedness. According to the Air Chief, the force follows the principle of training in conditions that closely replicate actual operational requirements.
“Operational capability rides on the back of professional training,” Singh said.
He explained that aircrew and ground crew were trained to such a high standard that their skills became second nature. Such capabilities, he said, were developed through regular and realistic exercises conducted away from the public spotlight.
“We train as we fight,” Singh said, adding that the training was designed to prepare personnel for a wide range of missions.
These missions could include defending India’s airspace, providing assistance during natural disasters and undertaking combat operations when required.
The IAF Day celebrations at Hindon marked the establishment of the Indian Air Force on October 8, 1932. Initially formed as an auxiliary air force of British India, the force has since evolved into a key component of India’s national defence structure.
The occasion also served to highlight the diverse responsibilities undertaken by the IAF, from maintaining combat readiness and defending the country’s skies to providing assistance to civilians during emergencies.
Singh’s remarks underlined the dual nature of the force’s responsibilities — maintaining a high level of operational preparedness while remaining ready to respond to humanitarian crises at home and abroad.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
