There was happiness and cheer across the county after Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was released by Pakistan today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders welcomed the brave pilot, who has become a hero for the entire nation after he showe immense grit and grace while in the enemy's captivity. Wing Commander Varthaman's release had been delayed due to certain reasons
News agency ANI reported that Pakistan has changed the timing of handover twice. New Delhi wanted to bring back captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman from Pakistan by a special flight, but was denied permission. Pakistan has said Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was being released as a "gesture of peace". It is not clear whether the pilot will be handed over to the International Red Cross or to the Indian authorities by Pakistan.
IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman's MiG 21 was shot during an aerial combat between India and Pakistan on Wednesday morning. He has been in Pakistan since then.
India had rejected Imran Khan's call on Thursday for a dialogue, saying there would be "no deal" on the Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's release.
Amid soaring tension, the government demanded the "immediate and safe return" of the pilot and said it "would be well-advised to ensure that no harm comes to him".
Tensions between the two countries escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. It came 12 days after the JeM claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.
Here are the highlights On Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's return to India
Pakistan Puts Out Abhinandan Varthaman's Video Just Before Releasing HimIndian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan when he crossed the Line of Control chasing a Pak F-16 fighter jet, was handed back to Indian authorities tonight and crossed the Attari-Wagah border around 9.20, about three hours after he was reportedly scheduled to return."
Dear Wing Commander Abhinandan, entire nation is proud of your courage and valour.
- Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 1, 2019
India is glad to have you back.
May you continue to serve the nation and IAF with unparalleled passion and dedication. Best wishes for your bright future.
I join the rest of the nation in welcoming #AbhinandanVarthaman back home. #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan
- M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 1, 2019
'Abhinandan' Bharat !
- Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) March 1, 2019
Our Abhinandan is back with us!#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan
Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, Captured By Pak, Being Handed Over To IndiaPilot Abhinandan Varthaman, Captured By Pak, Being Handed Over To India
Sources: Pakistan has changed the timing of handover of IAF's Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman twice. Indian defence minister is keeping a close watch on proceedings. The handover might now take place at 9 pm tonight. pic.twitter.com/2GUIzhrP89
- ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019
Heart fills with joy with the return of our brave hero! We owe you so much and its a debt for life. Welcome back Wing Commander Abhinandan. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳🇮🇳😊😊#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan #AbhinandanReturns pic.twitter.com/BRt9mfbdCQ
- Vinayak Dalmia (@VinayakDalmia) March 1, 2019
It must be understood that #Pakistan has not done us a favor by returning #WingCommanderAbhinandan. Under the #GenevaConvention, a serving soldier captured during conflict has to be returned.
- Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) March 1, 2019
We must not forget that after 1971, we released over 90,000 PoW from Pakistan.
Abhinandan Varthaman, The Pilot Who May Have Averted An India-Pakistan WarWelcome back Wing Commander Abhinandan. I salute your bravery and the courage of your family.
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 1, 2019
India is proud of you
Varthamans A MiG-21 Family: Son Flies It, Father Flew ItWing Commander Abhinandan, a true Bharat Ratna in every sense. Awaiting his return with a huge sense of pride, not just relief, like every Indian today. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
- Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) March 1, 2019
Celebrations near Attari-Wagah Border as Indian Air Force pilot #AbhinandanVarthaman will be handed over by Pakistan to India shortly
- NDTV (@ndtv) March 1, 2019
The Wing Commander, captured by Pakistan on Wednesday, is on his way from Lahore
Follow coverage on NDTV 24X7 and https://t.co/hMlRpgrUU6 pic.twitter.com/gvoaiWS2NY
Sushma Swaraj's Speech At Organisation of Islamic Cooperation In Abu Dhabi: HighlightsToday, #France is taking over the presidency of the @UN Security Council.
- Alexandre Ziegler (@FranceinIndia) March 1, 2019
🇫🇷strongly believes that multilateralism is necessary to tackle global challenges such as terrorism, peacekeeping, climate change & gender equality. #UNSC
📷:@ONUinfo pic.twitter.com/SlH5rvFXmW
Amarinder Singh Says Won't Go To Wagah To Receive Abhinandan Varthaman After Tweeting Request To PM Narendra ModiPakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi: The Indian Pilot (#AbhinanadanVarthaman) will be released this afternoon via Wagah. pic.twitter.com/B4kRwcM9zo
- ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019
Happy that our brave air warrior will return home today. Wing Commander Abhi Varthaman flying an aging aircraft shot latest generation fighter and faced captors with poise and fortitude. Amidst war cries h enay have become purveyor of peace.
- Salman Khurshid (@salman7khurshid) March 1, 2019
Abhinandan Varthaman Release: How The US, UAE And Saudi Arabia Put Pressure On Pakistan
