AMN
India today welcomed home Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthman after his return from Pakistan’s captivity tonight.
He arrived at Attari-Wagha border in Punjab a shortwhile ago. Pakistani officials handed over Wing Commander Varthaman to Indian officials, including from the IAF, at the Attari-Wagah Border.
People were eagerly waiting for him despite rain. The stadium was vacated this evening and retreat parade of BSF was canceled in view of it. Only the ceremony of lowering the flag was performed.
Wing Commander Varthaman was captured by Pakistani authorities on February 27th after an aerial engagement between the air forces of the two countries, a day after New Delhi had conducted counter-terror operations in Pakistan’s Balakot.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman with a warm tweet on Friday night, shortly after the captured pilot was escorted into India through the Wagah Crossing amid loud cheers from jubilant crowds.
“Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians. Vande Mataram!” he tweeted.