Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne took the salute at the passing out parade of the 125th course of National Defence Academy (NDA) here on Saturday.
A total of 296 cadets, including five from Tajikistan and one from Kazakhstan, graduated in the autumn term.
Gold medallist Manoj Kumar expressed his pleasure to be given an opportunity to serve the nation.
"People from all parts of the country come together, learn together, they are trained together and they fight for the nation together and we are training here for you. We feel very proud to be given an opportunity to shield you," said Kumar.
After the passing out parade, the spectators witnessed an air show by the Air Force.
Browne, who would be retiring on December 31, was on a three-day visit to Pune.
An alumnus of NDA 39th course, he revisited as the Reviewing Officer after 43 years.