Droupadi Murmu Poses With Pilot Shivangi Singh Whom Pakistan Claimed to Have Captured

A photo at India’s Ambala airbase sends a strong message: India’s only woman Rafale pilot, previously the subject of false Pakistani claims, is alive and operational.

What Happened

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Air Force Station Ambala, accompanied by Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh.
Singh posed alongside the President — in full uniform next to a Rafale — after earlier Pakistani-media claims had alleged she was downed and captured during “Operation Sindoor”. Those claims were previously debunked.
The optics are being interpreted by defence analysts as a subtle but sharp rebuttal to Pakistan’s misinformation campaign.

Why This Matters

The image strengthens India’s narrative of transparency and counter-propaganda in the context of India-Pakistan military tensions.
It reinforces the role of women in India’s defence forces — Singh is a symbol of operational credibility and empowerment.
From a strategic-messaging perspective, the photograph serves as a soft power assertion of strength: acknowledging misinformation but showcasing reality.
It may influence public perceptions of air-power and national defence credibility, especially in the context of recent cross-border operations.

About Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh

She is among India’s first batch of women fighter-pilots, and flew the MiG-21 Bison before qualifying to pilot the French-made Rafale.
The false claim of her capture was part of Pakistan’s broader “information warfare” narrative following Operation Sindoor — Indian officials dismissed the claims as fake.

What To Watch Next

Whether India leverages this moment to further highlight women in combat roles or step up messaging around “information authenticity”.
Any follow-up actions by Pakistan or media responses to this image and its implications for military-diplomatic narratives.
How India’s media and defence forums cover the role of women in its modern air force deployments.