india

Updated: Mar 01, 2019 23:53 IST

Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman crossed the Wagah-Attari border post into India from Pakistan on Friday evening, two days after his capture by Pakistani forces.

According to officials, the MiG21 fighter pilot told them: “Good to be back”.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him, saying the nation was proud of him.

President Kovind said: “India is proud of your courage and sense of duty, and above all your dignity. Wishing you and our entire Air Force every success in the future.”

Prime Minister Modi welcomed him, saying the nation is proud of your exemplary courage.

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! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2019

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hailed his return, saying “Jai Hind” on microblogging site Twitter.

Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said the IAF was happy to have him back. “He will now be taken for a detailed medical checkup because he had to eject from an aircraft,” he said.

Union finance minister Arun Jaitley welcomed him saying, “India’s happiness on return of Wing Commander Abhinandan is unprecedented. I salute the courage and resilience of Wg Commander Abhinandan.”

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Abhinandan’s “dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud”. “Welcome back and much love.”

🇮🇳 Wing Cdr. Abhinandan, your dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love. 🇮🇳 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 1, 2019

BJP president Amit Shah said the nation was glad to have him back. “Dear Wing Commander Abhinandan, entire nation is proud of your courage and valour. 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.”

Union home minister Rajnath Singh welcomed Abhinandan saying, “The entire Nation is proud of Wing Commander Abhinandan.”

Varthaman was captured by Pakistani authorities on February 27 after an air combat between the air forces of the two countries, a day after New Delhi had conducted counter-terror operations in Pakistan’s Balakot.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced his release as a “peace gesture” on Thursday. However, India has been maintaining that Pakistani decision is in consonance with the Geneva Convention.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said: “The hero finally walks back. A grateful nation salutes Wing Commander Abhinandan. You are an inspiration for all of us.”

Congress leader and Sonia Gandhi’s political secretary Ahmed Patel said: “Great to have you back Abhinandan.”

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said: “‘Abhinandan’ Bharat! Our Abhinandan is back with us! #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan.”

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav saluted him and said the entire nation was proud of him.

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik paid tribute to Abhinandan with a beautiful installation at the Puri beach in Odisha.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said it was heartening to know about the release of Abhinandan. “He has inspired the entire country with his bravery and conduct. On behalf of the people of Kerala, I welcome him.”

People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone said it is great see the IAF pilot back.

Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani said the entire nation was proud of him and welcomed him back.

UP Congress president Raj Babbar welcomed him saying, “Your story of courage & bravery shall ever make us proud ! The nation stands united in gratitude for our defence forces.”

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader said: “Welcome home Wing Commander. It’s great to have you back.”

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik welcomed him saying “you have made a nation proud with your valour”. His Tripura counterpart called him brave son of our motherland.

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh said, “Your resoluteness and poise in the face of adversity makes me proud as an Indian and former soldier. Welcome back son!”