Chandigarh [India], September 26 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, during the decommissioning ceremony of the Indian Air Force's MiG-21 fighter jet in Chandigarh, stated that the aircraft was a testament to the relations between India and Russia.

'MiG-21 is not merely an aircraft, it is a testimony of India-Russia relations,' Singh said during the ceremony.

Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963, the MiG-21 concludes its remarkable 63 years of service today.

The Minister also recalled the contributions of the fighter jet during various conflicts ranging from the 1971 war to the Kargil conflict, and from the Balakot airstrike to Operation Sindoor hailed it as a tremendous strength for India's armed forces.

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh led the last sortie of the MiG-21 today as the legendary aircraft fleet was officially decommissioned.

The MiG-21s flew in the Badal formation of three aircraft in an inverted 'V' configuration. BAe Hawk Mk132 aircraft of the Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Acrobatics team performed manoeuvres during the decommissioning ceremony.

Following a water cannon salute, in a symbolic gesture, the Air Chief handed over the aircraft's Form 700 logbook to the Defence Minister, marking the end of an era.

During the ceremony, he said that the aircraft had witnessed several heroic deeds and had played an important role in multiple wars and missions.

Addressing the decommissioning ceremony of MiG-21, Rajnath Singh said, 'For a long time, MiG-21 has been a witness to numerous heroic deeds. Its contribution has not been limited to a single event or a single war. From the war of 1971 to the Kargil conflict, or from the Balakot airstrike to Operation Sindoor, there has not been a moment when the MiG-21 has not provided tremendous strength to our armed forces.. '

Singh remembered the MiG-21's important role during the 1971 war, including its attack on the Governor's House in Dhaka.He called its retirement a farewell to a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and national pride. (ANI)