A Decade of Netflix in India: Chiefs of Armed Forces Assemble for ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ Red Carpet Premiere!

Marking ten years in India, Netflix hosted a historic event at New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, bringing together the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force alongside military veterans for the grand launch of its most ambitious Indian original series yet.

The highly anticipated series brings to life the untold story of the Indian Air Force’s role during the Kargil War, spotlighting a defining chapter of military history that has rarely been explored on screen.The premiere was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, and Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, war veterans, members of the real Golden Arrows Squadron, along with the cast and crew of the series. Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos was also present for the occasion.

Ted Sarandos Reflects on Netflix’s Decade in India
The event doubled as a celebration of Netflix’s decade-long presence in India. Addressing the gathering, Ted Sarandos spoke about the platform’s journey and its continued commitment to bringing Indian stories to audiences across the globe. He called Operation Safed Sagar Netflix India’s biggest and most ambitious production to date. He also shared that the project has generated more than $24 million, approximately ₹215 crore, for the Indian economy.

Defence Leadership Commends the Series
The distinguished guest list underscored the significance of the evening. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared a special video message, appreciating the team for portraying the story with authenticity and respect.He also highlighted the remarkable challenges faced by the Indian Air Force during the Kargil War, noting that missions were carried out at altitudes ranging from 15,000 to 18,000 feet under extremely demanding conditions.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh also lauded Netflix for bringing this story to audiences. He described the Kargil War as a defining moment not only for the Indian Air Force but also for military aviation globally

Shaan Brings a Patriotic Spirit to the Evening
The event featured a special musical tribute, with singer Shaan performing a selection of patriotic songs for the audience. His performance paid homage to the courage and sacrifice of India’s armed forces, adding an emotional dimension to an evening dedicated to military valour. Actor Taaruk Raina also performed Azma Le, a recently released track from Operation Safed Sagar, giving guests a glimpse into the series’ musical landscape.

The Story at the Heart of Operation Safed Sagar
At its core, Operation Safed Sagar follows the journey of some of the Indian Air Force’s youngest officers during the Kargil War. The series centres on the Golden Arrows Squadron, exploring the immense courage, pressure, and sacrifice involved in carrying out missions at extreme altitudes. Beyond the aerial missions, however, the story also delves into the human experiences behind the operation. Director Oni Sen and the creative team undertook extensive research to faithfully recreate this important chapter of history, striving to balance cinematic scale with authenticity and emotional depth.

Operation Safed Sagar Now Streaming on Netflix
Following its grand premiere, Operation Safed Sagar began streaming exclusively on Netflix on August 7.

By Keerti Kadam