Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman says ‘good to be back;’ political leaders welcome him 

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

Captured Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman returned to India, on Friday night, after nearly 60 hours in Pakistan. The fighter pilot was handed over to Indian officials at the Attari-Wagah border at 9.20pm. Escorted by Pakistan Rangers till the Zero Line, he was received by the Indian Air Force team and was later whisked away from the public glare. As Wg Cdr Abhinandan crossed the Attari-Wagah border, he smiled and said, “It is good to be back in my country.”

The IAF pilot was shot down, on Wednesday, while flying a MiG-21 fighter in a dogfight with Pakistani aircraft and captured. His first words were “It is good to be back in my country”, an official told reporters.

The pilot’s homecoming came as a celebration across the country. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other political leaders took to social media and welcomed him.

Citizens celebrated his returning and netizens trended #WelcomeBackAbhinandan on social media. Many came out on the streets to celebrate his return in many cities and towns across India.

Welcome home Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman! 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 #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 1, 2019

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

Proud of you Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman. The entire nation appreciates your valour and grit. You held your calm in the face of adversity. You are an inspiration to our youth. Salute. Vande Mataram.

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) March 1, 2019

🇮🇳 Wing Cdr. Abhinandan, your dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love. 🇮🇳

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 1, 2019

Welcome home #AbhinandanVarthaman Welcome home sweet home

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 1, 2019

The nation salutes you Wing Commander. Welcome home!#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) March 1, 2019

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.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 1, 2019

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