Image Source-ZEE News,India TV News
Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot downed a Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft during aerial combat with Pakistan in 2019. Moreover, he was confined for three long days in Pakistan.
However, Mr. Abhinandan was honoured with the Vir Chakra award by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday (22nd November). Moreover, the fighter pilot of the IAF has been decorated with India’s third-highest wartime gallantry medal for displaying an “exceptional sense of duty” during the dogfight, the award citation stated.
Meanwhile, the award ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several military officers and dignitaries were also honored at the event.
To this, the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted, “President Kovind presents Vir Chakra to Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Varthaman Abhinandan. He showed conspicuous courage, demonstrated gallantry in the face of the enemy while disregarding personal safety and displayed an exceptional sense of duty.”
Besides, Wing Commander Varthaman (now Group Captain) downed the enemy jet on February 27, 2019, prior his MiG 21 Bison jet was hit. Pak launched retaliation against India for the Balakot airstrikes before that.
Delhi: Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Abhinandan Varthaman being accorded the Vir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind, for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft during aerial combat on February 27, 2019. pic.twitter.com/CsDC0cYqds
— ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2021