Captured wing commander is son of retired air marshal

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI : Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, whose capture by Pakistan ratcheted up tensions between the two countries on Wednesday, has been a fighter pilot for 16 years and is the son of a decorated and senior officer of the air force.

Varthaman is an alumnus of the Khadakwasla-based National Defence Academy. He was an accomplished Sukhoi-30 fighter pilot before being assigned to the MIG-21 Bison squadron. Varthaman’s MIG-21 aircraft was shot down by Pakistan on Wednesday morning, and he was captured by Pakistani armed forces. In a video shot and released by Pakistan in the morning, Varthaman was seen blindfolded and spelling out his name and service number, without divulging any other information.

In a second video released in the evening, Varthaman was seen sipping tea and saying that he was treated well. In the clip, he described the Pakistani armed forces personnel as “thorough gentlemen”. “This is what I would expect my army to behave as, and I am thoroughly impressed,” he said. When asked where he hailed from, and what his squadron was, Varthaman refused to give details, only saying he was from “down south”.

India took exception to Pakistan’s treatment of Varthaman.

“India also strongly objects to Pakistan’s vulgar display of an injured personnel of the IAF in violation of all norms of the Geneva Conventions. It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the pilot in its custody,” according to demarche issued to Pakistan’s deputy high commissioner.

N

Pakistani airspace being rerouted. By 12:30pm, officials in airports north of Delhi say all civilian ops suspended. In all, 9 airports are affected.

Pakistani army spokesperson says two pilots captured – one of them, he added, had been sent to hospital. At the same press conference, the official releases a video showing a blindfolded Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman identifying himself

01:30pm:

INDIA

1:47pm:

Pakistan orders its entire airspace closed.

DGCA lifts curbs from the nine Indian airports where operations were halted.

In first official reaction to developments of the morning, Indian government says PAF jets attempted to bomb military targets. One MIG 21 was lost and the pilot is missing, it is informed

Pak PM Imran Khan in a televised address says PAF operation was “out of compulsion to demonstrate capabilities”. He says “better sense must prevail” and asks India to join talks

Pakistan Army retracts; says there is only one Indian pilot under its custody.

India demands from Pakistan immediate and safe return of its pilot, says Pakistan violated Geneva Conventions by releasing Varthaman’s video

3:07pm:

3:20pm:

3:48pm:

06:29pm:

06:56pm: