Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman of the Indian Air Force will be conferred Vir Chakra on Independence Day.

Abhinandan Varthaman became the face of the military confrontation between India and Pakistan in February this year when he was captured after an air battle between the two nations. Abhinandan Varthaman had downed an F-16 fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force, showing grit, determination and bravery.