First visuals of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's homecoming from Attari border

Pakistan has gone to all countries seeking mediation but there is greater understanding of India's position, sources said, adding India has told the international community that it is not an Indo-Pak issue, but about terrorism. (Image: AFP/ Representational)

Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has finally returned to India from the Wagah-Attari border, two days after being captured by Pakistan after his MiG-21 Bison crashed in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The daredevil IAF pilot was handed over to the Indian officials at the Attari border from where he entered into the country.

The valour and confidence of the daredevil air force pilot was reflecting in his gesture and he seemed happy and satisfied enough to return to his motherland. Abhinandan was accompanied by IAF Group Captain Joy Thomas Kurien, Defence Attache to Indian High Commission in Pakistan.

After being held captive by Pakistan, the braveheart soldier returned to India on Friday evening. He was wearing a blue suit and was accompanied by Indian army personnel. Though the IAF pilot looked fit enough to walk and entre the Indian border, his face was swollen and partial injuries were there on his face.

From Attari border, Abhinandan will be directly taken to Indian Air Force Intelligence Unit. He will be made to take several medical tests to analyse his fitness levels. Scans will be conducted to check if he has been bugged by the Pakistani army. The IAF pilot will also undergo psychological tests to check his mental status as he was captured by the enemy and lived through traumatic situations.

Border Security Force (BSF) cancelled today’s flag-lowering and beating retreating ceremony at the Attari border in view of the IAF braveheart pilot’s return to avoid tensions. Thousands of people gathered with drums and garlands at the Wagah-Attari border to witness this historic moment and to see a glimpse of the breave IAF pilot. Several IAF officials inlucing Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor was present at the border to recieve Abhinandan. Kapoor is also likely to address the media after Abhinandan's return. (Image: AFP)

Pakistan handed over Wing Commander Abhinandan after Pakistan's Beating Retreat ceremony at Wagah Border on its side. Abhinandan reached Wagah border under heavy security by Pakistani forces. Pakistan earlier turned down a request by India to send back Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman by aerial route and not through the Attari-Wagah land border. (Image: ARY News)

After reaching Wagah border, Abhinandan went through the formalities including a customs check and a medical check-up. After entering the Indian border at Attari, the IAF pilot will head towards the Amritsar airport, which is 20 kilometres from the Attari border. He will then be flown to Delhi along with his family who was also present at the Attari border.