India, Sept. 26 -- Defence minister Rajnath Singh, while bidding farewell to Russian-origin MiG-21 fighter jet on Friday in Chandigarh, hailed how it is also a proof of the deep ties shared by India and Russia.

"MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or machine but also proof of deep India-Russia ties," the defence minister said.

Singh's remarks come amid United States' bid to pressurise India into stopping purchase of oil from Russia by imposing punishing tariffs. However, India and Russia have maintained their deep diplomatic and trade ties, refusing to be influenced by external factors.

During the farewell ceremony, Singh recalled the role of MiG-21 fighter jets during the 1971 India-Pakistan war and how the outcome of the war was determine...