Abhinandan's parents get standing ovation on board flight to Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 1: 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 they 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 can be seen acknowledging the clapping, cheers and thank yous with nods of their heads.
The plane landed at the Delhi airport 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."
When Wing Commander Abhinandan's parents and family reached Delhi ... All the passengers in the flight saluted /clapped ... Acknowledging the bravery and courage of their son ... ?Jai Hind. Bharat Mata ki Jai. #WelcomeBackAbhinandan #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan #PakPremiPatrakaar pic.twitter.com/7zlESWEKPT
— Arun Singh?? (@upwala_bhaiya) March 1, 2019
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Indian deputy chief of mission meets lawmakers; India-US ties discussed
Washington, Mar 26 (PTI): India’s Deputy Chief of Mission in the US Namgya Khampa met Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth to discuss further strengthening collaboration in defence, trade and investment.
Khampa met the Democrat Congresswoman from Maryland, who is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, here on Wednesday.
“They discussed recent global developments and ways to further strengthen India-US collaboration in defence, trade & investment, and people-to-people ties,” the Indian Embassy here said in a post on X.
ALSO READ: Pakistan ‘relaying messages’ between Iran and US for peace in West Asia: official
On Tuesday, the deputy chief of mission met Congresswoman Suzan DelBene from Washington state and thanked her for her support to the India-US partnership.
“They discussed issues of bilateral interest -- trade, technology, defence partnership, and recognised the contributions of the Indian-American community in the relationship,” the Embassy said.
