:Abhinandan Varthaman

Abhinandan Varthaman was born on 21 June 1983 in a Tamil Jain family.{{Cite web|last=M|first=Kalyanaraman|date=2019-04-05|title=Abhinandan's folk: Jains who are Tamils but don't eat onions|url=https://thefederal.com/the-eighth-column/abhinandans-folk-jains-who-are-tamils-but-dont-eat-onions/|access-date=2020-12-20|website=The Federal|language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=M |first=Kalyanaraman |date=2019-04-05 |title=Abhinandan's folk: Jains who are Tamils but don't eat onions |url=https://thefederal.com/the-eighth-column/abhinandans-folk-jains-who-are-tamils-but-dont-eat-onions/ |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=The Federal |language=en-US}} Varthaman's family is from Thirupanamoor, a village about {{Convert|19|km|miles|abbr=in}} from Kanchipuram.{{cite news |title=Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman trained at IAF, Tambaram |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/280219/wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-trained-at-iaf-tambaram.html |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=28 February 2019 |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044727/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/280219/wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-trained-at-iaf-tambaram.html |archive-date=6 March 2019 |url-status=live }} His father Simhakutty Varthaman is retired Air Marshal (IAF), his wife Tanvi Marwaha is also a retired Squadron Leader (IAF) and his mother is a doctor.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/profile-of-a-true-hero-all-you-need-to-know-about-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman/374327|title=Pilot Abhinandan Profile, Family, All you need to know about IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman|website=timesnownews.com|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228174934/https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/profile-of-a-true-hero-all-you-need-to-know-about-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman/374327|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Cheers, Claps For Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman's Parents on Flight To Delhi |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandan-varthamans-parents-cheered-by-co-passengers-in-plane-as-they-arrive-to-rec-2000985 |publisher=NDTV |date=1 March 2019 |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301214211/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandan-varthamans-parents-cheered-by-co-passengers-in-plane-as-they-arrive-to-rec-2000985 |archive-date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live }}

Varthaman was educated at Sainik School, Amaravathinagar. He graduated from the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the combat (fighter) stream of the IAF as a flying officer on 19 June 2004.{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch) |page=1371 |date=30 September 2006 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2006/W_39_2011_076.pdf |publisher=The Gazette of India}} He was trained at the IAF centres in Bathinda and Halwara, promoted to flight lieutenant on 19 June 2006,{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch) |page=796 |date=28 June 2008 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2008/W_26_2009_004.pdf |publisher=The Gazette of India}} and to squadron leader on 8 July 2010.{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch) |page=119 |date=4 February 2012 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2012/W_5_2012_169.pdf |publisher=The Gazette of India}} Varthaman was a Su-30MKI fighter pilot before being assigned to the MiG-21 Bison squadron.{{cite news|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/profile-of-a-true-hero-all-you-need-to-know-about-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman/374327|title=Profile of a true HERO – All you need to know about Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228174934/https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/profile-of-a-true-hero-all-you-need-to-know-about-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman/374327|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}} He was promoted to wing commander on 19 June 2017{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch) |page=527 |date=8 February 2020 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/216111.pdf |publisher=The Gazette of India}} and to group captain in November 2021. Varthaman is married and lives in Chennai. He and his wife have two children.{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhinandan-varthaman-family-legacy-courage-valour-wife-father-1468161-2019-03-01|title=Abhinandan Varthaman carries a legacy of courage, grace, valour|date=1 March 2019|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024845/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhinandan-varthaman-family-legacy-courage-valour-wife-father-1468161-2019-03-01|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live|publisher=India Today}}

{{Main|2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes}}

File:Sheeju mig21.JPG Bison of the Indian Air Force.]]

On 27 February 2019, Varthaman was flying a MiG-21 as a part of a sortie that was scrambled to intercept airstrikes in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan Air Force. He engaged in a dogfight with Pakistani Air Force and was brought down by PAF. Varthaman ejected his plane and landed into the village of Horran in Pakistan Administered Kashmir, approximately {{Convert|7|km|miles|abbr=in}} from the Line of Control.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47397418|title=Fighter pilot 'opened fire' before capture|last=Khan|first=M. Ilyas|work=BBC News |date=1 March 2019|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301013431/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47397418|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k1geCvUMas|title=Abhinandan raised slogans, tried to destroy documents just before being captured in Pak (BBC Hindi)|date=28 February 2019|via=YouTube}}

Local villagers said Varthaman could be identified as an Indian pilot by the Indian flag on his parachute. Upon landing, Varthaman asked the villagers whether he was in India or Pakistan, to which a boy lied by saying "India". Varthaman reportedly chanted "Bharat Mata ki Jay", to which the locals responded with "Pakistan Zindabad". Then, he began firing warning shots. The villagers captured and manhandled Varthaman before he was rescued by the Pakistan Army.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html|title=Pakistan Frees Indian Pilot Who Was Beaten by a Mob and Then Served Tea|first1=Jeffrey|last1=Gettleman|authorlink=Jeffrey Gettleman|first2=Suhasini|last2=Raj|work=The New York Times |authorlink2=Suhasini Raj|date=1 March 2019|via=NYTimes.com|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301220828/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}

Later that day, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that an Indian pilot was missing in action after a MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft was lost while engaging with Pakistani jets.{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/india-pak-tensions-live-iaf-wing-commander-missing-after-mig-21-crash-pakistan-claims-he-is-in-their-custody-says-govt-2049727.html|title=India-Pak Tensions LIVE: IAF Wing Commander Missing After MiG-21 Crash, Pakistan Claims He is in Their Custody, Says Govt|date=27 February 2019|website=News18|access-date=28 February 2019}}{{cite news|title=Saved from a Pakistani mob, a downed Indian pilot becomes the face of the Kashmir crises|date=27 February 2019|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/pakistan-india-saynotowar-pilot-abhinandan-varthaman-1.5036374|publisher=CBC News|website=cbc.ca|access-date=2 March 2019}} A statement released by the IAF claimed that before the crash, Varthaman had shot down a PAF Lockheed Martin F-16.{{cite web|date=3 March 2019|title='Abhinandan Varthaman is first IAF pilot to down an F-16': Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-is-first-iaf-pilot-to-down-an-f-16-air-chief-marshal-s-krishnaswamy/story-jMNbRKI4vJfwWp2vy0x79J.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303120552/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-is-first-iaf-pilot-to-down-an-f-16-air-chief-marshal-s-krishnaswamy/story-jMNbRKI4vJfwWp2vy0x79J.html|archive-date=3 March 2019|access-date=3 March 2019|website=Hindustan Times}}{{cite news |date=28 February 2019 |title=Abhinandan Varthaman's MiG21 locked in Pakistan's F16 |work=Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/f16-shot-down-varthamans-mig21-locked-in-pakistans-f16/articleshow/68193757.cms |url-status=live |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228130414/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/f16-shot-down-varthamans-mig21-locked-in-pakistans-f16/articleshow/68193757.cms |archive-date=28 February 2019}} At a media briefing on 2 March 2019, nearly two days after the aerial engagement between PAF and IAF, the IAF displayed the parts of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, which could be used only by the PAF's F-16.{{Cite web |last=Joshi |first=Sameer |date=2019-08-20 |title=8 pieces of clinching evidence that show how IAF's Abhinandan shot down a Pakistani F-16 |url=https://theprint.in/defence/8-pieces-of-clinching-evidence-that-show-how-iafs-abhinandan-shot-down-a-pakistani-f-16/278752/ |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |quote="This radar data proves beyond doubt — that F-16s were operating against India that day — exposing the lies and contradictions of Ghafoor — exposed further by the remains of the AMRAAM missile found in the Nowshera sector by the Indian military. AMRAAM missiles can only be fired by F-16s in the PAF inventory."}} The IAF also said they had identified the electronic signatures of the aircraft and confirmed that F-16 were used during the skirmish. As claimed by Indian media, according to an agreement between the US and Pakistan, Pakistan is only allowed to use the F-16 against terrorists.{{Cite web|last=Press Trust of India|date=2019-03-09|title=Abhinandan-piloted MiG-21 Bison shot down Pak F-16; have electronic evidence: MEA|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhinandan-piloted-mig-21-bison-shot-down-pak-f-16-have-electronic-evidence-mea-1474267-2019-03-09|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311121044/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhinandan-piloted-mig-21-bison-shot-down-pak-f-16-have-electronic-evidence-mea-1474267-2019-03-09 |archive-date=11 March 2019 }} However, Foreign Policy magazine quoting an anonymous U.S. official stated that the agreement did not involve any such terms "limiting the use of the F-16s".{{Cite web |last=Seligman |first=Lara |date=4 April 2019 |title=Did India Shoot Down a Pakistani Jet? U.S. Count Says No. |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/04/04/did-india-shoot-down-a-pakistani-jet-u-s-count-says-no/ |access-date=2021-01-17 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}} Scholarly analysis{{citation|last=Markey|first=Daniel|title=The Strategic Implications of India's Illiberalism and Democratic Erosion|journal=Asia Policy|volume=17|issue=1|pages=77–105|year=2022|publisher=National Bureau of Asian Research|doi=10.1353/asp.2022.0010|s2cid=246816912 |quote=The Modi government’s public mischaracterizations of the February 2019 Balakot airstrike and subsequent air skirmishes, including subsequently debunked claims of a destroyed terrorist camp inside Pakistan and India’s downing of a Pakistani F-16 jet, have already raised questions in the United States about New Delhi’s credibility and communications strategy in the midst of an exceptionally dangerous regional context.}} and Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations Director General refuted the later claims and said F-16s had not been used in the incident.{{cite web|url=https://arynews.tv/en/dg-ispr-press-conference-indian-jets/|title=Pakistan army refutes Indian claims of downing F-16; says Pakistan doesn't want war|date=27 February 2019|access-date=3 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228164226/https://arynews.tv/en/dg-ispr-press-conference-indian-jets/|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}} The US-based Foreign Policy magazine, quoting two anonymous US defence ministry officials, reported in April 2019 that an audit didn't find any Pakistani F-16s missing, and that all jets were accounted for.{{Cite web|last=Seligman|first=Lara|title=Did India Shoot Down a Pakistani Jet? U.S. Count Says No.|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/04/04/did-india-shoot-down-a-pakistani-jet-u-s-count-says-no/|access-date=2021-05-16|website=Foreign Policy|date=4 April 2019 |language=en-US}}{{cite news |last1=Lalwani |first1=Sameer |last2=Tallo |first2=Emily |date=17 April 2019 |title=Did India shoot down a Pakistani F-16 in February? This just became a big deal |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/04/17/did-india-shoot-down-pakistani-f-back-february-this-just-became-big-deal/ |accessdate=18 September 2021 |quote=The controversy flared up when a Foreign Policy article stated that the Pentagon had accounted for all of Pakistan’s F-16 jets... The IAF responded last week by releasing “irrefutable” evidence — including electronic signatures and radio transcripts — that Pakistan lost a fighter jet during the February aerial combat. A number of U.S. and Indian defense analysts called the evidence circumstantial... The Pentagon, like the State Department, has yet to issue a public statement on the F-16 count, but there have been no counter-leaks contradicting the Foreign Policy report.}} A day later, the US defence ministry stated it was “not aware” of any investigation that was conducted to ascertain if Pakistan had lost an F-16 in a dogfight with Indian fighter jets on February 27.{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=EurAsian Times |date=2019-04-06 |title=Setback To Pakistan, US Says 'Did Not Count' Pakistani F-16 Fighter Jets |url=https://eurasiantimes.com/setback-to-pakistan-us-says-did-not-count-pakistani-f-16-fighter-jets/ |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News |language=en-US |quote="The US defence department clearly stated that it had no information on any investigation involving its officials to check the status of F-16 fighter jets delivered to Pakistan. The statement comes a day after a US-based magazine quoted two senior US officials who contradicted India’s claim of having shot down a Pakistani F-16 jet on February 27 during a dogfight along the LoC."}}{{Cite web |date=2019-04-06 |title=Haven't counted Pakistan's F-16s, says Pentagon after US magazine claimed it did |url=https://theprint.in/defence/not-aware-of-probe-into-pakistan-f-16-count-after-dogfight-with-iaf-says-us-defence-dept/217733/ |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |quote="The United States defence department on Friday said it was “not aware” of any investigation that was conducted to ascertain if Pakistan had lost an F-16 in a dogfight with Indian fighter jets on 27 February, contrary to a report by a news publication that had gone on to say, citing unidentified defence officials, the count revealed none was missing"}} While the US defence ministry was unaware of the "F-16 count", the US State Department distanced itself from the "F-16 count" news report, saying in response to a direct request to confirm or deny it, “As a matter of policy, the Department does not publicly comment on details of government-to-government agreements on end-use monitoring of US-origin defence articles.” and highlighted that “It is important to note that since January 2018, the United States government has suspended security assistance to Pakistan”.{{Cite web |date=2019-04-06 |title=Haven't counted Pakistan's F-16s, says Pentagon after US magazine claimed it did |url=https://theprint.in/defence/not-aware-of-probe-into-pakistan-f-16-count-after-dogfight-with-iaf-says-us-defence-dept/217733/ |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |quote="The state department distanced itself from the news report saying in response to a direct request to confirm or deny it, “As a matter of policy, the Department does not publicly comment on details of government-to-government agreements on end-use monitoring of US-origin defence articles.”"}}

Videos and images released by Pakistani authorities showed Varthaman being rescued from a violent mob by Pakistani soldiers{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html|title=Pakistan Frees Indian Pilot Who Was Beaten by a Mob and Then Served Tea|first1=Jeffrey|last1=Gettleman|authorlink1=Jeffrey Gettleman|first2=Suhasini|last2=Raj|newspaper=The New York Times |authorlink2=Suhasini Raj|date=1 March 2019|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301220828/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}} and being interrogated while tied and blindfolded with a bloody face. Other videos showed him receiving first aid and being further interrogated over tea. The media received a mixed reception; some commentators criticised the reports as a "vulgar display" while others praised the intervention of the Pakistani soldiers when Varthaman was in the hands of the mob and was being beaten. The release of the videos was suspected of being a violation of the Geneva Conventions and were deleted by Pakistani authorities after they went viral.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/experts-say-pakistan-violated-geneva-conventions-by-tweeting-video-of-captured-indian-pilot|title=Pakistan may have violated Geneva Conventions after posting video of captured pilot|first=Louis|last=Casiano|date=27 February 2019|website=Fox News|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301151437/https://www.foxnews.com/world/experts-say-pakistan-violated-geneva-conventions-by-tweeting-video-of-captured-indian-pilot|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}} Experts gave different opinions about the validity of the Geneva Conventions in this case.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/437668-geneva-convention-experts-differ-over-immunity-to-indian-pilot/|title=Geneva Convention: Experts differ over immunity to Indian pilot|date=28 February 2019|access-date=2 March 2019|publisher=The News International|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228143130/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/437668-geneva-convention-experts-differ-over-immunity-to-indian-pilot|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}

File:Wagah border.jpg

On 28 February 2019, Imran Khan, the prime minister of Pakistan, announced at a joint sitting of the Parliament of Pakistan, that the government had decided to release Varthaman the next day as a "gesture of peace". If some news sources are to be believed, "India and Pakistan came perilously close to firing missiles at each other on February 27, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi deciding to up the ante after the capture of Varthaman by Pakistan, and Research and Analysis Wing secretary Anil Dhasmana communicating to his Pakistan counterpart Inter Services Intelligence chief Lieutenant General Asim Munir that there would be an escalation in the Indian offensive if the pilot was harmed."{{Cite web |date=2019-03-23 |title=India, Pakistan came close to firing missiles at each other on February 27 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-pakistan-came-close-to-firing-missiles-at-each-other-on-february-27/story-rVsBjZ5qmxXMprktzDNqcM.html |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |quote="“I know last night there was a threat there could a missile attack on Pakistan, which later got defused, Khan said in his speech."}}{{Cite web |url=https://arynews.tv/en/imran-khan-addresses-joint-parliamentary-session/ |title=PM announces release of Indian pilot Abhinandan as 'peace gesture' |date=28 February 2019 |website=Ary News |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301125526/https://arynews.tv/en/imran-khan-addresses-joint-parliamentary-session/ |archive-date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live }} Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, said his government announced the release of the IAF Wing Commander out of a desire for peace and that there was no compulsion or pressure on Pakistan, as was implied by the Indian media.{{cite web|last=|date=2 March 2019|title=No compulsion or pressure to release Abhinandan, did it for peace: Qureshi|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1467183/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302152622/https://www.dawn.com/news/1467183|archive-date=2 March 2019|access-date=2 March 2019|website=DAWN}} However, The New York Times reported that several outside countries including United States and China had been urging Pakistan to release the Indian pilot to de-escalate the crisis.

Later in October 2020, an opposition leader, Ayaz Sadiq had claimed in the National Assembly of Pakistan that Varthaman was released after Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a meeting of Pakistan's top leaders that India would attack Pakistan if Varthaman weren't released. Ayaz Sadiq faced flak from the Pakistani government and the public for making such statements.{{Cite news|agency=PTI|date=2020-10-29|title=Pakistan released IAF pilot Wg. Cdr. Abhinandan after India's attack threat, claims PMLN leader|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-pilot-wg-cdr-abhinandan-was-released-after-indian-attack-threat-says-pml-n-leader/article32970711.ece|access-date=2021-05-16|issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web|last=|date=2020-10-31|title=I stand by my stance, have never made irresponsible statements: Ayaz Sadiq|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1587845|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=Dawn.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031160750/https://www.dawn.com/news/1587845 |archive-date=31 October 2020 }}{{Cite web|title=Pak Opposition MP Says Abhinandan Was Released As Army Chief Feared India's Attack|url=https://thewire.in/south-asia/pakistan-abhinandan-varthaman-qamar-bajwa-balakot|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=The Wire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101132111/https://thewire.in/south-asia/pakistan-abhinandan-varthaman-qamar-bajwa-balakot |archive-date=1 November 2020 }}

Varthaman crossed the India–Pakistan border at Wagah on 1 March 2019.{{cite web|last=|date=1 March 2019|title=Captured IAF pilot handed over to officials in Delhi|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466951|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301165512/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466951|archive-date=1 March 2019|access-date=1 March 2019|website=DAWN.COM}}{{cite news|title=Abhinandan: Captured Indian pilot handed back by Pakistan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47412884|work=BBC News|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301173217/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47412884|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=27 February 2019 |title=Saved From Pakistani Mob, Downed Indian Pilot Becomes Face of Kashmir Crisis |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/02/27/world/asia/27reuters-india-kashmir-pilot-socialmedia.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024524/https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/02/27/world/asia/27reuters-india-kashmir-pilot-socialmedia.html |archive-date=2 March 2019}} At a rally, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Varthaman's release, saying the nation was proud of him.{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-welcomes-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-says-nation-proud-of-your-exemplary-courage/articleshow/68223927.cms |title=PM Modi welcomes IAF pilot Abhinandan, says 'nation proud of your exemplary courage' |date=1 March 2019 |website=The Times of India |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302104701/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-welcomes-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-says-nation-proud-of-your-exemplary-courage/articleshow/68223927.cms |archive-date=2 March 2019 |url-status=live }} A demeaning video of Varthaman was released by the PAF to the Pakistani media hours before his release. IAF later said it had been filmed while Varthaman was under duress.{{cite web|title=Subjected to mental harassment by ISI, says IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/subjected-to-mental-harassment-by-isi-says-iaf-wing-commander-abhinandan/videoshow/68239392.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304034526/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/subjected-to-mental-harassment-by-isi-says-iaf-wing-commander-abhinandan/videoshow/68239392.cms|archive-date=4 March 2019|access-date=3 March 2019|website=The Times of India}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|title=Abhinandan Varthaman Says He Was Mentally Harassed in Pakistan: Report|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302173847/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}} A medical check-up upon his return located multiple bruises and a fractured rib but no 'significant injuries'.{{Cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/abhinandan-is-back-but-with-a-rib-fracture-and-some-bruises/articleshow/68232959.cms |title=Abhinandan is back but with a rib fracture and some bruises |last=Gurung |first=Shaurya Karanbir |date=2 March 2019 |website=The Economic Times |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303085448/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/abhinandan-is-back-but-with-a-rib-fracture-and-some-bruises/articleshow/68232959.cms |archive-date=3 March 2019 |url-status=live }} Varthaman said the Pakistani authorities did not physically torture him but subjected him to considerable "mental harassment". Pakistan said he was treated in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|title=Abhinandan Varthaman Says He Was Mentally Harassed in Pakistan: Report|website=NDTV.com|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302173847/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}}

Akhil Bharatiya Digambar Jain Mahasamiti chairperson Manidra Jain announced Varthaman would be awarded the Bhagwan Mahavir Ahimsa Puraskar on 17 April 2019, the date of Mahavir Jayanti.{{Cite web|date=3 March 2019|title=IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to be awarded with Bhagwan Mahavir Ahimsa Puraskar|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iaf-pilot-abhinandan-varthaman-to-be-awarded-with-bhagwan-mahavir-ahimsa-puraskar/story-GiK9UnxsuTL9hlqAfA46SM.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306042802/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iaf-pilot-abhinandan-varthaman-to-be-awarded-with-bhagwan-mahavir-ahimsa-puraskar/story-GiK9UnxsuTL9hlqAfA46SM.html|archive-date=6 March 2019|access-date=5 March 2019|website=Hindustan Times}}{{Cite news |title=Indian Air Force promotes Balakot air strike hero Abhinandan Varthaman to Group Captain rank |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-air-force-promotes-balakot-air-strike-hero-abhinandan-varthaman-to-group-captain-rank/articleshow/87509225.cms |access-date=2021-11-03}} In August that same year, he was presented with the Vir Chakra gallantry award.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=14 August 2019 |title=Wing Commander Abhinandan to be awarded Vir Chakra |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/wg-cdr-abhinandan-varthaman-to-be-conferred-vir-chakra/article29090657.ece |access-date=14 August 2019 |issn=0971-751X}}

After the government's decision to release Varthaman was announced, a petition was filed before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking an injunction to stop the process but the court dismissed it on the same day. The petition argued Varthaman must be released only after the cessation of active hostilities, as per the Geneva Conventions, since the Indian pilot “was arrested when he was on a mission against Pakistan”. The petition was rejected by the Islamabad High Court, citing the consensus of the parliamentarians and that "When all the parliamentarians agree at a point...[a] debate over it is unnecessary". In addition the IHC Chief Justice Minallah also stated that the courts do not have the power to intervene in foreign affairs, according to a Supreme Court verdict in 2014.{{cite web|date=1 March 2019|title=IHC dismisses petition challenging release of Indian pilot|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1920833/1-ihc-dismisses-petition-challenging-release-of-indian-pilot/|access-date=1 March 2019|website=The Express Tribune}}{{Cite web |title=Gallantry Awards {{!}} Ministry of Defence, Government of India |url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/4888 |access-date=2021-11-23 |website=www.gallantryawards.gov.in}}

File:Abhinandan Mustache.png

Varthaman's style of moustache has become popular in India and is widely called the "Varthaman style".{{cite news|last1=Suri|first1=Manveena|title=Indian pilot returns home a hero and sparks mustache trend|work=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/04/india/india-pilot-moustache-intl/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=4 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304101005/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/04/india/india-pilot-moustache-intl/index.html|archive-date=4 March 2019}}{{Cite web |date=4 March 2019 |agency=IANS |title=Want to look cool? Beard it like Abhinandan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/want-to-look-cool-beard-it-like-abhinandan/articleshow/68251454.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304070155/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/want-to-look-cool-beard-it-like-abhinandan/articleshow/68251454.cms |archive-date=4 March 2019 |access-date=11 March 2019 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} Actor Ranveer Singh's barber, Darshan Yewalekar, has quoted saying that "the beard sported by the IAF pilot will soon be called India's very own Varthaman style." The style is similar to a combination of gunslinger moustaches and mutton chops worn by Franz Joseph I of Austria.{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-air-force-pilot-abhinandan-varthamans-moustache-catches-up-men-queue-up-outside-salons-2001966|title=Abhinandan Varthaman's Gunslinger Moustache Is All The Rage in India|date=3 March 2019|website=NDTV|others=S Shobana|access-date=11 March 2019}} It resembles the moustache worn by actor Suriya in the Singam film series and Rajinikanth's moustache in Petta (2019).{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/abhinandan-varthaman-s-moustache-may-be-the-next-styling-sensation-in-india/story-SAw62oXo5UI6ZNZo8PsBWK.html|title=Abhinandan Varthaman's moustache may be the next styling sensation in India|date=4 March 2019|website=Hindustan Times|agency=IANS|access-date=11 March 2019}}

A number of companies used the moustache in their advertisements. Dairy company Amul produced a video showing a young girl wearing an Varthaman-shaped milk moustache.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/04/india/india-pilot-moustache-intl/index.html |title=Indian pilot returns home a hero and sparks mustache trend |last=Suri |first=Manveena |date=4 March 2019 |website=CNN |access-date=11 March 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/amuls-tributes-abhinandans-mooch-in-new-ad-twitter-says-it-will-be-the-next-fashion-trend-2053863.html |title=Amul Pays Tribute to IAF Pilot Abhinandan's 'Mooch' in New Ad, Twitter Says it Will be Next Fashion Trend |date=3 March 2019 |website=News18}} The advertisement was posted on Twitter and received more than 170,000 views within 24 hours.{{cite web|last=|first=|date=3 March 2019|title=Amul Sets Twitter Abuzz With 'Mooch' Video, Pays Tribute to IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan|url=https://www.india.com/buzz/amuls-new-mooch-video-advertisement-paying-tribute-to-iaf-wing-commander-abhinandan-breaks-internet-twitterati-declare-it-as-next-fashion-trend-3593620/|url-status=live|website=India.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304133755/https://www.india.com/buzz/amuls-new-mooch-video-advertisement-paying-tribute-to-iaf-wing-commander-abhinandan-breaks-internet-twitterati-declare-it-as-next-fashion-trend-3593620/ |archive-date=4 March 2019 }}{{cite web|last=Das|first=Aninda|date=10 March 2019|title=Mooch Appreciated: IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman's gunslinger moustache is now a rage on social media|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/mooch-appreciated-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-varthamans-gunslinger-moustache-is-now-a-rage-on-social-media/376424|url-status=live|access-date=11 March 2019|website=Times Now|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304180743/https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/mooch-appreciated-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-varthamans-gunslinger-moustache-is-now-a-rage-on-social-media/376424 |archive-date=4 March 2019 }} Pizza Hut also posted a tweet showing the Varthaman moustache on 3 March 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/pizza-hut-abhinandan-varthaman-pakistan-balakot-jem-indian-air-force-5610002/|title=Netizens divided over Pizza Hut offering free pizza to anyone named Abhinandan|date=4 March 2019|website=The Indian Express|access-date=11 March 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/business/pizza-hut-turns-wing-commander-abhinandans-bravery-into-marketing-gimmick-insensitive-and-opportunistic-say-brand-specialists-6200261.html|title=Pizza Hut turns Wing Commander Abhinandan's bravery into marketing gimmick: Insensitive and opportunistic, say brand specialists|last=Nair|first=Sulekha|date=6 March 2019|website=Firstpost|access-date=11 March 2019}}

In 2019, after Varthaman was captured by Pakistani forces, a video of him taken by a soldier went viral in which he was seen being interrogated while drinking Pakistani tea. The interrogator asked him different questions about his health and how he was treated to which he acknowledged the humane treatment by the Pakistani military. The interrogator then asks if he was enjoying his tea, to which Varthaman replied: "The tea is fantastic". This statement of Varthaman went viral and turned into an internet meme in the Pakistani online community.{{cite web | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466413 | title=Video: Wing Commander Abhinandan says Pakistani Army treated him with respect | date=27 February 2019 }}{{cite web | url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2345503/three-years-on-pakistani-twitter-celebrates-a-happy-fantastic-tea-day | title=Three years on, Pakistanis wish Indians a happy tea day | date=27 February 2022 }}{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Images |date=2021-02-27 |title=It's been two years but for Pakistani Twitter, the tea is still fantastic |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1186639/its-been-two-years-but-for-pakistani-twitter-the-tea-is-still-fantastic |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=Images |language=en}}

A statue of Varthaman along with the parts of the fuselage and tail of his MiG-21 aircraft are on display in a gallery named Operation Swift Retort at the Pakistan Air Force Museum in Karachi, Pakistan.{{cite news |title=Statue of Indian pilot Abhinandan installed in Karachi's PAF Museum |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1516292/ |work=Dawn |date=13 November 2019}}

• In 2020, the Bollywood movie Balakot: The True Story features Vivek Oberoi reprising his role.{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=2019-08-23 |title=Vivek Oberoi to star in film on Balakot air strikes |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/english/sitara/cinema/vivek-oberoi-in-balakot-the-true-story/na20190823161249965 |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en}}
• In 2024, the JioCinema web series Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond features Prasanna reprising his role.{{Cite news|title=Prasanna to play the wing commander Abhinandan in the documentary 'Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/prasanna-to-play-the-wing-commander-abhinandan-in-the-documentary-ranneeti-balakot-beyond/articleshow/109682334.cms|publisher =Times Entertainment|access-date=6 January 2025}}

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