Indian defence minister meets IAF pilot Abhinandan

A day after Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's release by Pakistan, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today met him and conveyed that the entire country is proud of his courage and determination, officials said.

During the meeting at a medical facility of the IAF, Abhinandan is understood to have explained to Sitharaman details about his nearly 60-hour stay in Pakistan.

Abhinandan arrived in the national capital by an IAF flight late last night after he crossed over to India through the Attari-Wagah border.

Currently, he is undergoing medical tests at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), a specialised medical evaluation centre for aircrew of all the three services.

Abhinandan was captured by Pakistan on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison went down during a dogfight with Pakistani jets. But before his plane was hit, Abhinandan reportedly shot down an F-16 of Pakistan Air Force. However, Pakistan denied the claim.

When he crossed over to India Friday night, his right eye above his handlebar moustache appeared swollen.

After he was captured, Abhinandan showed courage and composure in the most difficult circumstances for which he was praised by politicians, strategic affairs experts, ex-servicemen, celebrities and others.

Tensions between India and Pakistan soared after Indian fighters "bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp" near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday.

Pakistan hit back by attempting to target Indian military installations on Wednesday.