Abhinandan Varthaman told IAF officials he wants to return to cockpit as soon as possible, say officials
5 years, 10 months ago

Abhinandan Varthaman told IAF officials he wants to return to cockpit as soon as possible, say officials

Firstpost  

Abhinandan Varthaman arrived in the national capital on an IAF flight around 11:45 pm Friday, nearly two-and-half hours after he crossed over to India. New Delhi: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who became the face of the tense military confrontation between India and Pakistan, conveyed to the IAF brass that he wants to return to the cockpit as soon as possible, officials said Sunday. Varthaman arrived in the national capital on an IAF flight around 11:45 pm Friday, nearly two-and-half hours after he crossed over to India through the Attari-Wagah border. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed’s biggest training camp near Balakot, deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday.

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History of this topic

When Abhinandan Varthaman, flying MiG-21, shot down Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet
3 years, 1 month ago

When Abhinandan Varthaman, flying MiG-21, shot down Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet

India TV News  

Highlights Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman was awarded the Vir Chakra by President Kovind. Indian Air Force ace pilot Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman on Monday was awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft on February 27, 2019. Here's what happened on February 27, 2019: Abhinandan’s Vir Chakra citation mentions that despite …

Abhinandan Varthaman: Know the IAF officer, now a Vir Chakra awardee
3 years, 1 month ago

Abhinandan Varthaman: Know the IAF officer, now a Vir Chakra awardee

Hindustan Times  

Abhinandan Varthaman was awarded the Vir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday. Varthaman's citation read, “Displaying exceptional air combat acumen and knowledge of the enemy’s tactics, Abhinandan scanned the low altitude airspace with his airborne intercept radar and picked up an enemy aircraft that was flying low to ambush the Indian fighter interceptor aircraft. Abhinandan alerted the other …

IAF Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman awarded Vir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind
3 years, 1 month ago

IAF Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman awarded Vir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind

Firstpost  

New Delhi: Indian Air Force ace pilot Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman was accorded the Vir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind in an investiture ceremony on Monday. “Displaying exceptional air combat acumen and knowledge of the enemy’s tactics, Wing Commander Varthaman Abhinandan scanned the low altitude airspace with his Airborne Intercept radar and picked up an enemy aircraft that was …

When Abhinandan Varthaman shot down Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet
3 years, 1 month ago

When Abhinandan Varthaman shot down Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet

India Today  

Abhinandan Varthaman on Monday, November 22, was awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft in February 2019. He shot down an F-16 over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during India's Balakot air strike but was taken captive by the Pakistan Army after his plane was shot down by enemy forces. Abhinandan Varthaman, then …

'No Pressure to Release IAF Pilot Abhinandan': Pak Foreign Office Clarifies After Rival Leader's 'Qureshi Pleading' Remark
4 years, 2 months ago

'No Pressure to Release IAF Pilot Abhinandan': Pak Foreign Office Clarifies After Rival Leader's 'Qureshi Pleading' Remark

News 18  

Pakistan claimed on Thursday that there was “no pressure” on it to release Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, a day after a top Opposition leader said that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi pleaded at a high-level meeting to release him fearing an Indian attack on the country. Recalling the tension in Islamabad at the time, former national assembly …

'India's 9pm Attack': Why Pakistan Foreign Minister 'Pleaded' for Abhinandan's Release
4 years, 2 months ago

'India's 9pm Attack': Why Pakistan Foreign Minister 'Pleaded' for Abhinandan's Release

News 18  

“Legs were shaking and forehead perspiring” at a meeting of Pakistan’s top leaders, including Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, wherein Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi pleaded to release Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, saying if he was not released, India would attack Pakistan, a top Pakistani opposition leader has said. Recalling the tension in Islamabad after India …

Bajwa's 'Legs Shaking', Qureshi in 'Fear of Attack': Pak Oppn Recounts Night Before Abhinandan's Release
4 years, 2 months ago

Bajwa's 'Legs Shaking', Qureshi in 'Fear of Attack': Pak Oppn Recounts Night Before Abhinandan's Release

News 18  

Recalling the events from February 2019, the Pakistani opposition claimed that the Imran Khan government had released Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman “out of fear” of an Indian attack. Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday said that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an emergency meeting pointed out that “if Islamabad did not release Abhinandan …

Pakistan knew we could wipe out their bases, says ex-IAF chief on Abhinandan release, BJP chief hits out at Congress
4 years, 2 months ago

Pakistan knew we could wipe out their bases, says ex-IAF chief on Abhinandan release, BJP chief hits out at Congress

India Today  

After a Pakistani MP claimed that the Imran Khan government was dreading an attack by India following the capture of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, former IAF chief BS Dhanoa said the Indian air force could have wiped out the forward brigades of Pakistan. Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Ayaz Sadiq said that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important …

Bajwa's legs shook, Pakistan dreaded India would attack if Abhinandan not released: Pak MP
4 years, 2 months ago

Bajwa's legs shook, Pakistan dreaded India would attack if Abhinandan not released: Pak MP

India Today  

If IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was not released from captivity, India would have attacked Pakistan by 9 pm that night, feared the Pakistan government in February 2019 following the dogfight with India. According to a report in ANI, Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Ayaz Sadiq said that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that if …

Soaring High: Varanasi's Flt Lt Shivangi Singh is Rafale Squadron's First Woman Fighter Pilot
4 years, 3 months ago

Soaring High: Varanasi's Flt Lt Shivangi Singh is Rafale Squadron's First Woman Fighter Pilot

News 18  

The first woman fighter pilot of the Rafale squadron ‘Golden Arrows’, Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in the year 2017 as part of the second batch of female fighter pilots. Hailing from Varanasi, she is presently on her way to becoming to a formal part of the 17 Squadron, ‘Golden Arrows’ in Ambala, and …

Pakistan puts mannequin of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on display at Karachi war museum
5 years, 1 month ago

Pakistan puts mannequin of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on display at Karachi war museum

Firstpost  

Islamabad: Pakistan has displayed a mannequin of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman inside a war museum of Pakistan Air Force in Karachi. A Twitter post by Pakistan journalist and political commentator Anwar Lodhi shows a photo of the mannequin of the IAF officer, captured on 27 February, by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces …

At Air Force Day celebrations, an unmistakable subtext of Balakot ops
5 years, 3 months ago

At Air Force Day celebrations, an unmistakable subtext of Balakot ops

Live Mint  

It was like cocking a snook at Pakistan—first the speech by the Indian Air Force chief RKS Bhadauria on Tuesday that referred to how the IAF had demonstrated its resolve and capability in punishing the perpetrators of terrorism at Balakot followed by the flypast that included Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who downed a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet in February while …

VIDEO: At IAF Day celebrations, Balakot hero Abhinandan Varthaman flies MiG-21 in Hindon
5 years, 3 months ago

VIDEO: At IAF Day celebrations, Balakot hero Abhinandan Varthaman flies MiG-21 in Hindon

India TV News  

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Tuesday led the formation of the Indian Air Force's MiG-21 Bison fighter jets during the Air Force Day celebrations at the Hindon Air Base in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad. While Abhinandan led a group of three MiG-21s flying in avenger formation, Balakot heroes Group Captains Saumitra Tamaskar and Hemant Kumar flew a Jaguar and a Mirage …

IAF squadrons which downed Pak F-16, conducted Balakot strike to be awarded by Air Chief
5 years, 3 months ago

IAF squadrons which downed Pak F-16, conducted Balakot strike to be awarded by Air Chief

India Today  

Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria will award unit citation to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's 51 Squadron for thwarting the aerial attack by Pakistan and shooting down a Pakistani F-16 jet on February 27. During Pakistan's counter-attack on India in response to the Balakot air strike, Abhinandan Varthaman flew a MiG-21 Bison fighter jet into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The …

After getting medical clearance, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman flies sortie in MiG 21 with air chief BS Dhanoa
5 years, 4 months ago

After getting medical clearance, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman flies sortie in MiG 21 with air chief BS Dhanoa

Firstpost  

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Monday flew a sortie in a MiG-21 fighter aircraft from the Pathankot Airbase Pathankot: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the IAF pilot who became the face of a tense military confrontation between India and Pakistan in February, on Monday flew a sortie with Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on a …

Abhinandan Varthaman declared medically fit, begins flying MiG 21 again
5 years, 4 months ago

Abhinandan Varthaman declared medically fit, begins flying MiG 21 again

India TV News  

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was declared medically fit from his injuries and has begun flying the MiG 21 again. Commenting on the development, a senior IAF officer said Abhinandan was declared fit following examination of injuries, that he had sustained during the incident. "The clearance was given to Abhinandan for flying again after he was declared medically fit. For the …

IAF officer Minty Agarwal who provided Abhinandan Varthaman air support during 27 Feb dogfight becomes first woman to get Yudh Seva medal
5 years, 4 months ago

IAF officer Minty Agarwal who provided Abhinandan Varthaman air support during 27 Feb dogfight becomes first woman to get Yudh Seva medal

Firstpost  

IAF Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal, the first woman who has been awarded the Yudh Seva Medal, on Thursday said that she witnessed Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft during a dogfight on 27 February New Delhi: Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal, the first woman who has been awarded the Yudh Seva Medal, on …

Official who guided Abhinandan Varthaman gets IAF medal
5 years, 4 months ago

Official who guided Abhinandan Varthaman gets IAF medal

Deccan Chronicle  

Hyderabad: Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal who was the first to detect Pakistani aircraft heading towards India after the Balakot air strikes was awarded the Yudh Seva medal on Wednesday. Squadron Leader Agarwal was the flight controller when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman downed the enemy F16 in aerial combat with Pakistan in February. “The officer was controlling the IAF’s interception package …

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to get Vir Chakra on Independence Day
5 years, 4 months ago

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to get Vir Chakra on Independence Day

India Today  

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman of the Indian Air Force will be conferred Vir Chakra on Independence Day. The IAF foiled the Pakistani retaliation, and in the dogfight, Abhinandan Varthaman downed an F-16 fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force, showing grit, determination and bravery. During the following confrontation, IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistan F-16 jet on February …

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman meets colleagues in J&K 2 months after Balakot airstrikes | Watch
5 years, 8 months ago

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman meets colleagues in J&K 2 months after Balakot airstrikes | Watch

India Today  

Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday met and interacted with his colleagues in Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman addressed other Air Force members and said that the photographs, they clicked with him, were not for them but for their family members who prayed for his health. WATCH First video since he …

IAF pilot returned in 24 hrs because I’m in Delhi: Modi
5 years, 8 months ago

IAF pilot returned in 24 hrs because I’m in Delhi: Modi

Hindustan Times  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he had warned Pakistan of consequences if it did not return Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. He also took a jibe at Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar, saying if he is unaware of his next move, then how can Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gauge what he will do. “We held …

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman transferred amid safety concerns: Report
5 years, 8 months ago

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman transferred amid safety concerns: Report

Live Mint  

The Indian Air Force has transferred Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan after his aircraft was shot down during an aerial combat between the two countries, out of his Kashmir Air Force station, a news report said Saturday. The IAF officer was transferred out of the Srinagar airforce facility amid concerns over his safety in Kashmir valley, …

Facing threat from Jaish, IAF deploys Abhinandan Varthaman outside Srinagar
5 years, 8 months ago

Facing threat from Jaish, IAF deploys Abhinandan Varthaman outside Srinagar

India Today  

The Indian Air Force issued a transfer order for Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will be deployed outside Srinagar now. The transfer came after the IAF assessed a security threat to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's life. Indian Air Force transfers Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman out of the Srinagar airbase amid concerns over his security in …

IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman returns to his men and machines in Srinagar
5 years, 9 months ago

IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman returns to his men and machines in Srinagar

India Today  

Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan last month and returned to India two days later, has gone back to his squadron in Srinagar though he is on a four-week sick leave, official sources said on Tuesday. The IAF pilot went on leave around 12 days ago after security agencies completed a nearly two-week debriefing after …

Balakot and After: IAF demonstrates full spectrum capability
5 years, 9 months ago

Balakot and After: IAF demonstrates full spectrum capability

Firstpost  

After global speculation and much written on the effectiveness or otherwise of the Balakot strikes, the fog is lifting and it is slowly coming to light that the Mirage strikes have indeed been effective. The IAF’s air defence network has seen much transformation over the years and is now a sophisticated, well-networked and integrated system with highly motivated fighter controllers …

MEA claims it has ‘electronic evidence’ that IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman’s MiG-21 shot down Pakistani F-16
5 years, 10 months ago

MEA claims it has ‘electronic evidence’ that IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman’s MiG-21 shot down Pakistani F-16

Firstpost  

An Indian Air Force MiG-21 Bison, piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down a Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft and there are eyewitness accounts as well as electronic evidence for it, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday. New Delhi: An Indian Air Force MiG-21 Bison, piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down a Pakistan Air …

India-Pakistan dogfight: A minute-by-minute account of Abhinandan's air battle
5 years, 10 months ago

India-Pakistan dogfight: A minute-by-minute account of Abhinandan's air battle

India Today  

On the morning of February 27, 24 fighter jets took off from Pakistan and flew towards India. At exactly 10am, the jets entered Indian airspace, where waiting Indian Air Force fighter jets engaged them in a dogfight. The developments of February 27 morning lasted 16 minutes, from the time the Pakistani jets took off to the time Wing Commander Abhinandan …

IAF confirms Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down Pakistan F-16 fighter jet
5 years, 10 months ago

IAF confirms Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down Pakistan F-16 fighter jet

India Today  

Top Indian Air Force sources have confirmed that Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistan F-16 jet on February 27. Abhinandan had fired an R-73 missile to take out the Pakistan F-16 aircraft before his Mig 21 Bison was hit by an AMRAAM missile. The IAF Wing Commander was captured by Pakistan but had to be released in just …

Abhinandan Varthaman debriefed by Indian security agencies
5 years, 10 months ago

Abhinandan Varthaman debriefed by Indian security agencies

Live Mint  

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, released by Pakistan after his capture last week, was debriefed on Sunday by Indian security agencies, two people familiar with the development said. Varthaman was brought to New Delhi late Friday night by an Indian Air Force aircraft. He was then transferred to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment, a specialised medical evaluation centre for aircrew …

IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman wants to return to cockpit at the earliest
5 years, 10 months ago

IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman wants to return to cockpit at the earliest

Live Mint  

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who became the face of the tense military confrontation between India and Pakistan, conveyed to the IAF brass that he wants to return to the cockpit as soon as possible, officials said Sunday. The IAF pilot was first taken to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment, a compact and specialised medical evaluation centre for aircrew of …

Radar images confirm Jaish-e-Mohammed camps were hit
5 years, 10 months ago

Radar images confirm Jaish-e-Mohammed camps were hit

India Today  

Images captured by radars fitted in some of the fighter jets that were part of the mission to carry out aerial strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot, Pakistan provide evidence of the hideout being hit and damaged, source said. The aperture radars that have caught the images are from Sukhoi 30 fighter jets that were remained behind the …

Nirmala Sitharaman meets IAF hero Abhinandan day after his return
5 years, 10 months ago

Nirmala Sitharaman meets IAF hero Abhinandan day after his return

India TV News  

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman and conveyed to him that the entire nation is proud of his courage and determination, officials said. During the meeting at a medical facility of the Indian Air Force, Varthaman is understood to have explained to Sitharaman details about his nearly 60 hour stay in Pakistan. Currently, he is …

IAF hero returns: Wing Commander Abhinandan undergoes 'cooling down' process, Sitharaman meets him
5 years, 10 months ago

IAF hero returns: Wing Commander Abhinandan undergoes 'cooling down' process, Sitharaman meets him

India TV News  

Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was brought to Delhi after Pakistan released him through the Attari-Wagah border late Friday night, was undergoing a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process. Early on Saturday morning, Varthaman met his immediate family members as well as several top officials of the Indian Air Force. Wing Commander Varthaman …

Abhinandan Varthaman not released under any pressure, says Pak foreign minister
5 years, 10 months ago

Abhinandan Varthaman not released under any pressure, says Pak foreign minister

Live Mint  

Islamabad: Pakistan was not under "pressure" or "any compulsion" to release Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Saturday, a day after the IAF Wing Commander returned home. Pakistan was under intense pressure from the US, the UAE and Saudi Arabia to de-escalate the tensions with India in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack and …

Day after IAF pilot’s return, PM Narendra Modi says ‘Abhinandan’ will acquire new meaning
5 years, 10 months ago

Day after IAF pilot’s return, PM Narendra Modi says ‘Abhinandan’ will acquire new meaning

Hindustan Times  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a veiled reference to what has been viewed as a diplomatic victory of India at a public function in New Delhi to state that the world watches every move of the country closely. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was in Pakistan Army’s custody since Wednesday morning after his aircraft was shot down and he …

Feels good to be back in my country, says IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman after release
5 years, 10 months ago

Feels good to be back in my country, says IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman after release

Firstpost  

“It is good to be back in my country,” was the first reaction of IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as he set his foot back on Indian soil. New Delhi: “It is good to be back in my country,” was the first reaction of IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as he set his foot back on Indian soil. …

IAF braveheart Abhinandan Varthaman says he was mentally harassed in Pakistan
5 years, 10 months ago

IAF braveheart Abhinandan Varthaman says he was mentally harassed in Pakistan

India Today  

Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has disclosed that Pakistani authorities did not physically torture him in his nearly 60-hour stay in their custody. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced a day later that they would release him -- seen as a major step towards defusing a near-war situation triggered by India's retaliation over Pakistan's continued support for terrorism. …

From Indian airstrike to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's release: A timeline of events
5 years, 10 months ago

From Indian airstrike to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's release: A timeline of events

India Today  

Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, captured by Pakistan two days ago after his MiG 21 Bison crashed inside Pakistan, returned to India on Friday. PAKISTAN BREACHES INDIAN AIRSPACE On Feb 27 at around 10:00 hours, the IAF radars detected a large package of Pakistan Air Force aircraft heading towards the Indian territory towards general area Jhangar. There …

Pakistan kept Abhinandan's pistol, returned only watch and a ring
5 years, 10 months ago

Pakistan kept Abhinandan's pistol, returned only watch and a ring

India Today  

IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman finally returned home on Friday night after endless hours of tension and wait. However, none of those came back with Abhinandan Varthaman on Friday night when Pakistani Rangers handed him over to the Border Security Force at the Wagah-Attari border. Before his MiG crashed, Abhinandan managed to bring down one of the F-16s that Pakistan …

IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman walks free after 3 days in captivity
5 years, 10 months ago

IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman walks free after 3 days in captivity

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman of the Indian Air Force, who had ejected into Pakistan after his MiG-21 fighter jet had got hit on Wednesday morning, walked back into India across the Wagah-Attari border late on Friday evening, sending a wave of joy across the country. Initially, Wg Cdr Varthaman was expected to be released at 5.30 pm, but …

Abhinandan arrives to hero’s welcome
5 years, 10 months ago

Abhinandan arrives to hero’s welcome

The Hindu  

Indian Air Force fighter pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was freed by Pakistan on Friday, two days after his MiG-21 fighter jet came down in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has been handed over to us as per standard operating procedure of the IAF. Varthaman as an Indian Prisoner of War and said, “While in captivity, he was treated …

Pakistan hands over Indian pilot captured amid Kashmir tensions
5 years, 10 months ago

Pakistan hands over Indian pilot captured amid Kashmir tensions

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Pakistan has handed over a …

‘Good to be back’: IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman on Indian soil after 58 hours in Pak Army custody
5 years, 10 months ago

‘Good to be back’: IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman on Indian soil after 58 hours in Pak Army custody

Hindustan Times  

Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned to India on Friday night, two days after he was captured in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, potentially capping for now a week of heightened tension that threatened to snowball into a wider military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as he is released by Pakistan authorities at …

‘Happy to be back to my country’, says IAF pilot after homecoming
5 years, 10 months ago

‘Happy to be back to my country’, says IAF pilot after homecoming

Hindustan Times  

After a suspenseful wait lasting hours, Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman finally returned home Friday night from his nearly three-day captivity in Pakistan, a major step towards defusing a near-war situation triggered by India’s retaliation over Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism. Abhinandan Varthaman finally emerged at 9.10 p.m at the Wagah checkpost on the Pakistani side, accompanied by Pakistani …

Abhinandan Varthaman is finally home, India heaves sigh of relief
5 years, 10 months ago

Abhinandan Varthaman is finally home, India heaves sigh of relief

India TV News  

A jubilant nation erupted with joy today as Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman walked back into India after almost 60 hours in Pak captivity. The entire nation is proud of Wing Commander Abhinandan," Singh, the Minister for Home Affairs, tweeted. "Dear Wing Commander Abhinandan, entire nation is proud of your courage and valour. Congress president Rahul Gandhi welcomed IAF Wing Commander …

Abhinandan Varthaman returns to India via Wagah border; IAF happy to have him back, says Air Vice-Marshal RGK Kapoor
5 years, 10 months ago

Abhinandan Varthaman returns to India via Wagah border; IAF happy to have him back, says Air Vice-Marshal RGK Kapoor

Firstpost  

Wearing blue blazer and grey trousers, he crossed over into India from the Attari-Wagah border at 9.20 pm. Attari-Wagah: Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned to India from Pakistan on Friday, two days after he was taken into custody by Pakistan Army when his MiG 21 fell in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Announcing the release, Air Vice-Marshal RGK Kapoor …

IAF pilot Abhinandan return updates: Airman to be flown to Delhi from Amritsar; Modi tweets 'welcome home'
5 years, 10 months ago

IAF pilot Abhinandan return updates: Airman to be flown to Delhi from Amritsar; Modi tweets 'welcome home'

Firstpost  

9:04 AM Whatsapp Facebook Twitter IAF pilot pelted with stones, shot in leg by Pakistani locals, say eyewitness Mohammad Razzaq Chaudhry, the chief of Horran village in Pakistan where IAF officer Abhinandan Varthaman was captured, told the BBC that he ran to the spot along with other villagers when he saw the MiG 21 crashing to the ground. “The boys …

Pilot Abhinandan made to record video statement by Pakistan before being handed over to India
5 years, 10 months ago

Pilot Abhinandan made to record video statement by Pakistan before being handed over to India

The Hindu  

The handing over of pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to India at Wagah was delayed on Friday as he was asked to record a statement on camera by Pakistani authorities before he was allowed to cross the border, according to sources. At 8.30 pm time, the Pakistan government released the pilot’s video message to the local media in which he said as …

Finally! IAF WC Abhinandan Varthaman Returns To India [Updated Report]
5 years, 10 months ago

Finally! IAF WC Abhinandan Varthaman Returns To India [Updated Report]

Live Law  

Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan on Tuesday after his Mig 21 Bison fighter jet crashed on the other side of LoC while on a combat mission, has been handed over to India at the Wagah-Atari border. On Friday morning, India's acting High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia arrived at the Pakistan Foreign Office in Islamabad …

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