Rajnath Singh Hails MiG-21 as Symbol of India-Russia Ties at Jet’s Farewell

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described the MiG-21 fighter aircraft as more than just a machine, calling it a powerful reminder of India’s longstanding strategic partnership with Russia. He was speaking at a ceremonial farewell for the jet, which has been a mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over six decades.

Singh said the MiG-21 represented a landmark in India’s aviation history and was central to the evolution of the country’s defence capabilities. He emphasised that the induction of the aircraft in the 1960s not only boosted the IAF’s strength but also marked the beginning of a deep defence collaboration with Moscow. “The MiG-21 is not merely an aircraft, it is a symbol of trust and friendship between India and Russia,” he noted.

The MiG-21 has played a pivotal role in several conflicts, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, and has remained in frontline service despite its age. At the same time, the aircraft has often faced criticism due to its accident record, earning the nickname “flying coffin.” However, Singh underlined that its contributions to national security far outweigh the controversies, highlighting the courage of IAF pilots who operated it with distinction.

The retirement ceremony also marked the end of an era, as the IAF gradually transitions to newer platforms such as the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and French-made Rafale jets. Singh stressed that while modernisation was essential, it was equally important to acknowledge the legacy of older platforms that shaped India’s defence journey.

He concluded by reaffirming India’s continuing partnership with Russia in defence production and technology sharing. The farewell to the MiG-21, he said, should be seen not as a goodbye but as a celebration of resilience, cooperation, and shared history between the two nations.