Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday welcomed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-returns-to-india-from-pakistan-200585">Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman </a>back to India, saying the nation is proud of his exemplary courage.

He said the country's armed forces are an inspiration for the 130 crore Indians.

"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," he tweeted.

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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) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1101521097323958272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned home from Pakistan on Friday to a hero's welcome, two days after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down.

Pakistani officials handed over Varthaman to Indian officials, including from the IAF, at the Attari-Wagah Border.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday welcomed Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman back to India, saying the nation is proud of his exemplary courage. He said the country's armed forces are an inspiration for the 130 crore Indians.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday welcomed Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman back to India, saying the nation is proud of his exemplary courage. He said the country's armed forces are an inspiration for the 130 crore Indians. "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," he tweeted. 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 × Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned home from Pakistan on Friday to a hero's welcome, two days after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down. Pakistani officials handed over Varthaman to Indian officials, including from the IAF, at the Attari-Wagah Border.

Nation is proud of your exemplary courage: PM Modi on IAF Pilot Abhinandan's return

The French government has welcomed the release of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan. It is the first nation to react on the release of Abhinandan Varthaman who was taken into custody by Pakistan after his jet went down following a strike by the&nbsp;enemy missile on February 27.

In a statement French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian said, "I welcome the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan as well as the release of the Indian Air Force pilot detained in Pakistan."

"I hail the two governments’ choice of restraint and responsibility and urge them to resume bilateral dialogue," he added.

He also reiterated France's solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.

On Friday, France assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council and said that it "will do its utmost so that those responsible for the terrible attack in Pulwama are sanctioned."

US, UK and France have proposed listing of Jaish e Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of Pulwama attack, the worst attack on Indian forces in last two decades by Pakistan based terror organisations.

In the aftermath of Indian air strikes on terror camps of JeM in Pakistan, Paris had said, it recognises "India’s legitimacy" to ensure its "security against cross-border terrorism" and asked Pakistan to put an "end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory."

The French government has welcomed the release of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan. It is the first nation to react on the release of Abhinandan Varthaman who was taken into custody by Pakistan after his jet went down following a strike by the enemy missile on February 27.

The French government has welcomed the release of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan. It is the first nation to react on the release of Abhinandan Varthaman who was taken into custody by Pakistan after his jet went down following a strike by the enemy missile on February 27. In a statement French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian said, "I welcome the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan as well as the release of the Indian Air Force pilot detained in Pakistan." "I hail the two governments’ choice of restraint and responsibility and urge them to resume bilateral dialogue," he added. He also reiterated France's solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms. On Friday, France assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council and said that it "will do its utmost so that those responsible for the terrible attack in Pulwama are sanctioned." US, UK and France have proposed listing of Jaish e Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of Pulwama attack, the worst attack on Indian forces in last two decades by Pakistan based terror organisations. In the aftermath of Indian air strikes on terror camps of JeM in Pakistan, Paris had said, it recognises "India’s legitimacy" to ensure its "security against cross-border terrorism" and asked Pakistan to put an "end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory."

France welcomes release of IAF Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman

Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor briefs Indian media after Abhinandan's return

Breaking News: IAF pilot Abhinandan handed over to Indian High Commission officials

Former cricketer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Virender+Sehwag">Virender Sehwag</a> hailed the arrival of Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to India.&nbsp;

Varthaman has arrived his home country, India via the Attari-Wagah border amid tight security and he was&nbsp;handed over to Indian officials.&nbsp;

Sehwag took to Twitter to welcome the IAF pilot. With a hashtag #WelcomeBackAbhinandan, he wrote, "How proud we are to have you! Bow down to your skills and even more your grit and courage."&nbsp;

"We love you and are filled with pride because of you," Sehwag added.&nbsp;

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How proud we are to have you ! Bow down to your skills and even more your grit and courage 🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeBackAbhinandan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeBackAbhinandan</a> . We love you and are filled with pride because of you.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreSupposedToTellYouThis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreSupposedToTellYouThis</a> <a href="https://t.co/IfqBFNNa3T">pic.twitter.com/IfqBFNNa3T</a>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1101437935793176577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In my time alive on this 🌎 planet, I haven’t seen a bigger hero. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeBackAbhinandan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeBackAbhinandan</a>
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1101457612757884929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also praised Abhinandan. He wrote, "In my time alive on this planet, I haven’t seen a bigger hero."

Wing Commander Varthaman was captured by Pakistan after his jet went down following a strike by an enemy missile.&nbsp;

Varthaman's MiG 21 was shot and he bailed out after bringing down one Pakistani F-16 fighter during a dogfight to repel a Pakistani attack on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

Former cricketer Virender Sehwag hailed the arrival of Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to India. Varthaman has arrived his home country, India via the Attari-Wagah border amid tight security and he was handed over to Indian officials.

Former cricketer Virender Sehwag hailed the arrival of Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to India. Varthaman has arrived his home country, India via the Attari-Wagah border amid tight security and he was handed over to Indian officials. Sehwag took to Twitter to welcome the IAF pilot. With a hashtag #WelcomeBackAbhinandan, he wrote, "How proud we are to have you! Bow down to your skills and even more your grit and courage." "We love you and are filled with pride because of you," Sehwag added. How proud we are to have you ! Bow down to your skills and even more your grit and courage 🙏 #WelcomeBackAbhinandan . We love you and are filled with pride because of you.#WeAreSupposedToTellYouThis pic.twitter.com/IfqBFNNa3T — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 1, 2019 × In my time alive on this 🌎 planet, I haven’t seen a bigger hero. #WelcomeBackAbhinandan — Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 1, 2019 × Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also praised Abhinandan. He wrote, "In my time alive on this planet, I haven’t seen a bigger hero." Wing Commander Varthaman was captured by Pakistan after his jet went down following a strike by an enemy missile. Varthaman's MiG 21 was shot and he bailed out after bringing down one Pakistani F-16 fighter during a dogfight to repel a Pakistani attack on Wednesday morning.

Virender Sehwag, Ravichandran Ashwin hail Abhinandan Varthaman's 'grit and courage'

The US has reaffirmed its demand that Pakistan abide by its UN Security Council commitments to deny safe havens to terrorists and block their access to funds as it welcomed Islamabad's decision to release the captured Indian Air Force pilot.&nbsp;

In a surprise announcement during a joint session of Parliament on Thursday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will be released on Friday as a gesture of peace.

Pakistan detained Varthaman Wednesday following a fierce engagement between air forces of the two sides along the Line of Control when his MiG 21 fighter jet was downed.

"We welcome Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's commitment that Pakistan will release on Friday the Indian pilot held in its custody," a State Department spokesperson told responding to a question on the announcement made by Khan in the Pakistani parliament.

Simultaneously, the US has urged both India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions.&nbsp;

"The United States continues to urge both sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including through direct communication. Further military activity will exacerbate the situation," the State Department spokesperson said.&nbsp;

"We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds," the spokesperson said.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer on Thursday joined other lawmakers in expressing concern over the escalating tension between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

"This is "a result of a Pakistan-based terrorist group's brutal attack", he said.

"I urge both countries to de-escalate the mounting tensions," Hoyer said.

Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan in the wake of the February 14 Pulwama attack claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Forty CRPF soldiers were killed in the attack.

India carried out air strikes against the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. In the operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for suicide attacks were eliminated.

Pakistan on Wednesday claimed it shot down two Indian fighter jets over Pakistani air space and arrested an Indian Air Force pilot.&nbsp;

The US has reaffirmed its demand that Pakistan abide by its UN Security Council commitments to deny safe havens to terrorists and block their access to funds as it welcomed Islamabad's decision to release the captured Indian Air Force pilot.

The US has reaffirmed its demand that Pakistan abide by its UN Security Council commitments to deny safe havens to terrorists and block their access to funds as it welcomed Islamabad's decision to release the captured Indian Air Force pilot. In a surprise announcement during a joint session of Parliament on Thursday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will be released on Friday as a gesture of peace. Pakistan detained Varthaman Wednesday following a fierce engagement between air forces of the two sides along the Line of Control when his MiG 21 fighter jet was downed. "We welcome Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's commitment that Pakistan will release on Friday the Indian pilot held in its custody," a State Department spokesperson told responding to a question on the announcement made by Khan in the Pakistani parliament. Simultaneously, the US has urged both India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions. "The United States continues to urge both sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including through direct communication. Further military activity will exacerbate the situation," the State Department spokesperson said. "We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds," the spokesperson said. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer on Thursday joined other lawmakers in expressing concern over the escalating tension between India and Pakistan. "This is "a result of a Pakistan-based terrorist group's brutal attack", he said. "I urge both countries to de-escalate the mounting tensions," Hoyer said. Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan in the wake of the February 14 Pulwama attack claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Forty CRPF soldiers were killed in the attack. India carried out air strikes against the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. In the operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for suicide attacks were eliminated. Pakistan on Wednesday claimed it shot down two Indian fighter jets over Pakistani air space and arrested an Indian Air Force pilot.

US again asks Pakistan to deny safe havens to terrorists

Pakistan to release IAF pilot Abhinandan shortly

Indian pilot to cross Wagah border shortly

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-iaf-pilot-captain-abhinandans-homecoming-from-pakistan-200416">Live updates: IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman set to cross Wagah border shortly</a>

Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commmander Abhinandan Varthaman will be crossing the Wagah border in a few minutes as a large crowd gathers to welcome him amid heavy security.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-awaits-pilots-return-beating-the-retreat-ceremony-cancelled-at-wagah-border-200496">Beating the Retreat ceremony cancelled at Wagah border</a>

As Indian authorities wait for&nbsp;captured Indian pilot to return home, it was announced that the Beating the Retreat ceremony won't be taking place at the Wagah border today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-for-eighth-consecutive-day-200530">Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire for eighth consecutive day</a>

The ceasefire was violated in Rajouri district's Nowshera sector at 16:15 hours today where the Indian Army retaliated in counter-firing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/welcome-goodwill-signal-pakistan-has-always-been-opposed-to-terrorism-china-200500">Welcome goodwill signal, Pakistan has always been opposed to terrorism: China</a>

China on Friday welcomed Pakistan's decision to release the&nbsp;Indian Air Force pilot and encouraged&nbsp;the two countries to engage in more counter-terrorism cooperation and dialogue for the regional peace and stability.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-84-people-two-thirds-young-children-died-on-way-to-al-hol-camp-in-syria-un-200531">At least 84 people, two-thirds young children, died on way to al-Hol camp in Syria: UN</a>

At least 84 people,&nbsp;two-thirds of them young children, have died since December on their way to al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria after fleeing Islamic State in the Deir al-Zor region, the United Nations said on Friday.

&nbsp;

Live updates: IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman set to cross Wagah border shortly Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commmander Abhinandan Varthaman will be crossing the Wagah border in a few minutes as a large crowd gathers to welcome him amid heavy security.

Live updates: IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman set to cross Wagah border shortly Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commmander Abhinandan Varthaman will be crossing the Wagah border in a few minutes as a large crowd gathers to welcome him amid heavy security. Beating the Retreat ceremony cancelled at Wagah border As Indian authorities wait for captured Indian pilot to return home, it was announced that the Beating the Retreat ceremony won't be taking place at the Wagah border today. Jammu & Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire for eighth consecutive day The ceasefire was violated in Rajouri district's Nowshera sector at 16:15 hours today where the Indian Army retaliated in counter-firing. Welcome goodwill signal, Pakistan has always been opposed to terrorism: China China on Friday welcomed Pakistan's decision to release the Indian Air Force pilot and encouraged the two countries to engage in more counter-terrorism cooperation and dialogue for the regional peace and stability. At least 84 people, two-thirds young children, died on way to al-Hol camp in Syria: UN At least 84 people, two-thirds of them young children, have died since December on their way to al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria after fleeing Islamic State in the Deir al-Zor region, the United Nations said on Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India eagerly awaits IAF pilot Abhinandan to walk back via Attari-Wagah border

Garlands and tricolour adorns Wagah border as India awaits IAF pilot's return

We will hit back at terror with interest: PM Modi

New India will return damage done by terrorists with interest: PM Modi

For the Varthamans, flying the MiG-21 fighter aircraft is a sort of family tradition.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-iaf-pilot-captain-abhinandans-homecoming-from-pakistan-200416">Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman </a>downed a Pakistani F-16 plane before his MiG-21 Bison was hit during a dogfight.

His father Air Marshal (retd) Simhakutty Varthaman also flew the MiG-21s and was an IAF test pilot, who retired five years ago, a family friend said in Mumbai on Friday.

Abhinandan's grandfather was also in the IAF, he said.

In an interview to PTI, Wing Commander (retd) Prakash Navale, who was a course-mate of Abhinandan's father at the National Defence Academy (NDA) during 1969-72, said the first time he saw the young pilot, held captive by Pakistan, was when he was a three-year-old toddler.

"Myself and his father were then posted at the fighter training wing at Hakimpet, Hyderabad," said Navale, 66, who retired from the IAF in 1994 and now lives in Navi Mumbai.

"Initially, I also passed out (from Air Force Academy) as a fighter pilot but later switched to helicopters. Myself and Air Marshal (retd) Varthaman were flying instructors for some time," he said.

Like Navale, Air Marshal Varthaman is also a Sainik School alumnus. While Navale studied at Sainik School Satara, Air Mashal Varthaman is from Sainik School Amaravathinagar in Tamil Nadu.

Navale said Air Marshal Varthaman was staying at Tambaram when he was doing the flying instructor's course there. "The Varthamans are very simple people and we have enjoyed many a hearty meal at their house," he said.

"Air Marshal Varthaman is a through gentleman. His wife Shobha, a doctor, is a great lady. When my wife Aruna was pregnant, she used to visit us regularly and administer injections to her. We were blessed with our daughter Pooja due to Shobha's medical care," Navale said.

Abhinandan's sister Aditi lives in France and has married a French national, he said.

In 1982, Navale, then Flight Lieutenant, was awarded the 'Shaurya Chakra' for saving the life of then Odisha chief minister J B Patnaik from mob fury in Gopalpur.

The award citation read: In this action, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Navale displayed determination, courage and presence of mind. Had he not flown out the VIP at that critical time, the situation could have taken a grave turn and could have resulted in serious consequences to the VIP and further break-down in the law and order situation.&nbsp;

For the Varthamans, flying the MiG-21 fighter aircraft is a sort of family tradition. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman downed a Pakistani F-16 plane before his MiG-21 Bison was hit during a dogfight.

For the Varthamans, flying the MiG-21 fighter aircraft is a sort of family tradition. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman downed a Pakistani F-16 plane before his MiG-21 Bison was hit during a dogfight. His father Air Marshal (retd) Simhakutty Varthaman also flew the MiG-21s and was an IAF test pilot, who retired five years ago, a family friend said in Mumbai on Friday. Abhinandan's grandfather was also in the IAF, he said. In an interview to PTI, Wing Commander (retd) Prakash Navale, who was a course-mate of Abhinandan's father at the National Defence Academy (NDA) during 1969-72, said the first time he saw the young pilot, held captive by Pakistan, was when he was a three-year-old toddler. "Myself and his father were then posted at the fighter training wing at Hakimpet, Hyderabad," said Navale, 66, who retired from the IAF in 1994 and now lives in Navi Mumbai. "Initially, I also passed out (from Air Force Academy) as a fighter pilot but later switched to helicopters. Myself and Air Marshal (retd) Varthaman were flying instructors for some time," he said. Like Navale, Air Marshal Varthaman is also a Sainik School alumnus. While Navale studied at Sainik School Satara, Air Mashal Varthaman is from Sainik School Amaravathinagar in Tamil Nadu. Navale said Air Marshal Varthaman was staying at Tambaram when he was doing the flying instructor's course there. "The Varthamans are very simple people and we have enjoyed many a hearty meal at their house," he said. "Air Marshal Varthaman is a through gentleman. His wife Shobha, a doctor, is a great lady. When my wife Aruna was pregnant, she used to visit us regularly and administer injections to her. We were blessed with our daughter Pooja due to Shobha's medical care," Navale said. Abhinandan's sister Aditi lives in France and has married a French national, he said. In 1982, Navale, then Flight Lieutenant, was awarded the 'Shaurya Chakra' for saving the life of then Odisha chief minister J B Patnaik from mob fury in Gopalpur. The award citation read: In this action, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Navale displayed determination, courage and presence of mind. Had he not flown out the VIP at that critical time, the situation could have taken a grave turn and could have resulted in serious consequences to the VIP and further break-down in the law and order situation.

Varthamans, a MiG-21 family: Son flies it, dad flew it

While speaking in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari at the inauguration of several projects, Prime Minister Modi on Friday hailed the contribution of the southern state.

Referring to the IAF Pilot held in captive in Pakistan he said every Indian was proud that the brave Wing Commander was from Tamil Nadu. He further added that the country's first woman Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is also from Tamil Nadu.

"Every Indian is proud that the brave Wing Commander is from Tamil Nadu. I am proud that India’s first woman Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is from Tamil Nadu, " he said.

PM Modi's who was in Kanyakumari to inaugurate the foundation stone for the extension of a railway line from Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi and a new bridge replacing old Pamban bridge said, "The foundation stone of a railway line between Rameshwaram - Dhanushkodi has also been laid today. This line got damaged after the disaster of 1964 but for over fifty years, no attention was paid to this line".

"I have flagged off the fastest train Tejas between Madurai - Chennai and the train is a great example of 'Make in India,' having been manufactured in the Integral Coach factory of Chennai itself," he said.

Referring to the huge mandate of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections which led to the massive victory of his party, PM Modi said,"&nbsp;The great Tiruvalluvar said 'When the rare chance comes, seize it to do the rare deed.'&nbsp;In 2014, it was after thirty years that a Party got a full majority in the Parliament. The people’s message was clear- they wanted a government that takes bold and tough decisions".

The PM also said that the government was "most sensitive" to the safety and well-being of fishermen. "Due to sustained diplomatic efforts, since May 2014, hundreds of fishermen have been released by Sri Lankan authorities".

Talking about terrorism he said the country has been facing the menace of terrorism for years now however it will no longer be "helpless" in the wake of terror now.

"There is a big difference now- India will no longer be helpless in the wake of terror. From 2004 to 2014 there were several terror attacks. The nation expected perpetrators to be punished but nothing happened".

"26/11 happened, India expected action against terrorists but nothing happened. Uri happened and you saw what our brave men did. Pulwama happened and you saw what our brave men did. I salute all those who are serving the nation. Their vigilance keeps our nation secure," he said.

"There was a time when the news reports would read- Air Force wanted to do surgical strike after 26/11 but UPA blocked it. Today, we are in an era where the news reads- Armed forces have full freedom to do what they want".

The prime minister assured that the Influence of terrorists and terrorism has been curtailed and it is going to be curtailed even more.

"This is a New India. This is an India that will return the damage done by terrorists with interest".

While speaking in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari at the inauguration of several projects, Prime Minister Modi on Friday hailed the contribution of the southern state. Referring to the IAF Pilot held in captive in Pakistan he said every Indian was proud that the brave Wing Commander was from Tamil Nadu.

While speaking in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari at the inauguration of several projects, Prime Minister Modi on Friday hailed the contribution of the southern state. Referring to the IAF Pilot held in captive in Pakistan he said every Indian was proud that the brave Wing Commander was from Tamil Nadu. He further added that the country's first woman Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is also from Tamil Nadu. "Every Indian is proud that the brave Wing Commander is from Tamil Nadu. I am proud that India’s first woman Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is from Tamil Nadu, " he said. PM Modi's who was in Kanyakumari to inaugurate the foundation stone for the extension of a railway line from Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi and a new bridge replacing old Pamban bridge said, "The foundation stone of a railway line between Rameshwaram - Dhanushkodi has also been laid today. This line got damaged after the disaster of 1964 but for over fifty years, no attention was paid to this line". "I have flagged off the fastest train Tejas between Madurai - Chennai and the train is a great example of 'Make in India,' having been manufactured in the Integral Coach factory of Chennai itself," he said. Referring to the huge mandate of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections which led to the massive victory of his party, PM Modi said," The great Tiruvalluvar said 'When the rare chance comes, seize it to do the rare deed.' In 2014, it was after thirty years that a Party got a full majority in the Parliament. The people’s message was clear- they wanted a government that takes bold and tough decisions". The PM also said that the government was "most sensitive" to the safety and well-being of fishermen. "Due to sustained diplomatic efforts, since May 2014, hundreds of fishermen have been released by Sri Lankan authorities". Talking about terrorism he said the country has been facing the menace of terrorism for years now however it will no longer be "helpless" in the wake of terror now. "There is a big difference now- India will no longer be helpless in the wake of terror. From 2004 to 2014 there were several terror attacks. The nation expected perpetrators to be punished but nothing happened". "26/11 happened, India expected action against terrorists but nothing happened. Uri happened and you saw what our brave men did. Pulwama happened and you saw what our brave men did. I salute all those who are serving the nation. Their vigilance keeps our nation secure," he said. "There was a time when the news reports would read- Air Force wanted to do surgical strike after 26/11 but UPA blocked it. Today, we are in an era where the news reads- Armed forces have full freedom to do what they want". The prime minister assured that the Influence of terrorists and terrorism has been curtailed and it is going to be curtailed even more. "This is a New India. This is an India that will return the damage done by terrorists with interest".

Proud that Wing Commander is from Tamil Nadu: PM Modi in Kanyakumari

WION Exclusive conversation with Air marshal Anil Chopra on Wing Commandeers return

Three days of India-Pakistan power play

Hours after Pakistan announced its decision to release Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, India conveyed to Islamabad that it wants him to be sent back via aerial route and not through the Wagah land border, official sources said.

However, late in the night, Pakistan communicated to India that he will be returned through the Attari-Wagah border.

The Indian defence establishment was also mulling over sending a special aircraft to Pakistan to bring back Wing Commander Varthaman who was captured by Pakistan during aerial combat on Wednesday.

Varthaman will now return home through the Wagah border which is around 25 km from Lahore in Pakistan.

The IAF pilot's MiG 21 was shot and he bailed out after bringing down one Pakistani F-16 fighter during a dogfight to repel a Pakistani attack on Wednesday morning.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday announced that Varthaman will be released on Friday as "peace gesture".

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday.

It came 12 days after 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

Following the bombing of the JeM training camp, the Pakistan Air Force carried out retaliatory aerial combat, unsuccessfully targeting several Indian military installations.

Hours after Pakistan announced its decision to release Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, India conveyed to Islamabad that it wants him to be sent back via aerial route and not through the Wagah land border, official sources said.

Hours after Pakistan announced its decision to release Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, India conveyed to Islamabad that it wants him to be sent back via aerial route and not through the Wagah land border, official sources said. However, late in the night, Pakistan communicated to India that he will be returned through the Attari-Wagah border. The Indian defence establishment was also mulling over sending a special aircraft to Pakistan to bring back Wing Commander Varthaman who was captured by Pakistan during aerial combat on Wednesday. Varthaman will now return home through the Wagah border which is around 25 km from Lahore in Pakistan. The IAF pilot's MiG 21 was shot and he bailed out after bringing down one Pakistani F-16 fighter during a dogfight to repel a Pakistani attack on Wednesday morning. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday announced that Varthaman will be released on Friday as "peace gesture". Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. It came 12 days after 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. Following the bombing of the JeM training camp, the Pakistan Air Force carried out retaliatory aerial combat, unsuccessfully targeting several Indian military installations.

Pakistan ignores India's request to sent back IAF pilot by air

It may have been after midnight when the Chennai-Delhi flight came to a stop at the tarmac but there was no scramble to get bags from the overhead bin or rush towards the exit because all eyes were focused on one couple -- the parents of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-iaf-pilot-captain-abhinandans-homecoming-from-pakistan-200416">IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman</a>.

Air Marshal (retd) S Varthaman and Dr Shobha Varthaman were given a standing ovation as passengers made way for them in the early hours of Friday, ensuring that the couple gets off first.

Abhinandan, who was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday, is expected to be released on Friday.&nbsp;

In photos and videos shared by passengers on social media platforms, the couple, who came to Delhi on their way to Amritsar to bring their son home, can be seen acknowledging the clapping, cheers and thank yous with nods of their heads.

The plane landed at the Delhi airport for about an hour after midnight.&nbsp;

The couple left for Amritsar soon after landing in Delhi. They are all set to receive their son most likely at the Wagah border.

Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured by Pakistan Army after his fighter jet crashed in an air duel with a Pakistani F-16. He shot down the plane before his own went down, forcing him to eject. He fell into Pakistani territory.

On Thursday Khan announced that he would be released, signalling a de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Abhinandan's family has served the Indian Air Force for generations, since the second World War.

Air Marshal S Varthaman, a recipient of several honours, including a Param Vishisht Seva Medal, said in a message, "Abhi is alive, not injured, sound in mind, just look at the way he talked so bravely... A true soldier... We are so proud of him."&nbsp;

It may have been after midnight when the Chennai-Delhi flight came to a stop at the tarmac but there was no scramble to get bags from the overhead bin or rush towards the exit because all eyes were focused on one couple -- the parents of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

It may have been after midnight when the Chennai-Delhi flight came to a stop at the tarmac but there was no scramble to get bags from the overhead bin or rush towards the exit because all eyes were focused on one couple -- the parents of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Air Marshal (retd) S Varthaman and Dr Shobha Varthaman were given a standing ovation as passengers made way for them in the early hours of Friday, ensuring that the couple gets off first. Abhinandan, who was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday, is expected to be released on Friday. In photos and videos shared by passengers on social media platforms, the couple, who came to Delhi on their way to Amritsar to bring their son home, can be seen acknowledging the clapping, cheers and thank yous with nods of their heads. The plane landed at the Delhi airport for about an hour after midnight. The couple left for Amritsar soon after landing in Delhi. They are all set to receive their son most likely at the Wagah border. Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured by Pakistan Army after his fighter jet crashed in an air duel with a Pakistani F-16. He shot down the plane before his own went down, forcing him to eject. He fell into Pakistani territory. On Thursday Khan announced that he would be released, signalling a de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. Abhinandan's family has served the Indian Air Force for generations, since the second World War. Air Marshal S Varthaman, a recipient of several honours, including a Param Vishisht Seva Medal, said in a message, "Abhi is alive, not injured, sound in mind, just look at the way he talked so bravely... A true soldier... We are so proud of him."

IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman's parents get standing ovation on flight to Delhi