Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman conveyed to the IAF brass that he wants to return to the cockpit as soon as possible, officials told PTI on Sunday, 3 March.
For the last two days, the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot has been undergoing medical treatment at a military hospital in New Delhi.
In the MRI scan of the Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the doctors did not find any bugs, ANI reported on Sunday, 3 March quoting sources. The scan has also shown that there is an injury in his lower spine which could have happened due to his ejection from his MiG-21 after aerial engagement with an F-16.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthman in a hospital on Saturday, 2 March.
Get all updates of Indo-Pak tensions here.
- Abhinandan crossed the border with Director India in Pakistan’s Foreign Office Dr Fareha Bugti and IAF Group Captain Joy Thomas Kurien
- Pilot Abhinandan was arrested after an IAF aircraft was shot down by Pakistan on 27 February
- Pak PM Imran Khan on 28 February said that Abhinandan was being released as a “peace gesture”
- Abhinandan was released after multiple delays by the Pakistan authorities through the day
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IAF Pilot Varthaman Wants to Return to Cockpit at the Earliest
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who became the face of the tense military confrontation between India and Pakistan, conveyed to the IAF brass that he wants to return to the cockpit as soon as possible, officials said on Sunday, 3 March.
For the last two days, the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot has been undergoing medical treatment at a military hospital in New Delhi.
Varthaman told senior IAF commanders and doctors treating him that he wants to start flying at the earliest, the officials told PTI.
His health condition is being monitored by a group of doctors at the Army's Research and Referral hospital, the officials said.
"The efforts have been to ensure that he returns to the cockpit soon," said a military official.
The officials said Varthaman has been in high spirits despite the harassment he suffered in Pakistan.
MoS Defence Bhamre Meets Abhinandan
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Rao Bhamre met IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman at Army Hospital Research And Referral in Delhi.
Abhinandan Varthaman's Lower Spine Injured, a Rib Also Hurt
In the MRI scan of the Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the doctors did not find any bugs, ANI reported quoting sources. The scan has also shown that there is an injury in his lower spine which could have happened due to his ejection from his MiG-21 after aerial engagement with an F-16.
A rib was also injured due to assault by Pakistani locals soon after he landed on ground in PoK after his plane was shot down. He will undergo more check ups and treatment at Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi Cantonment.
Pak Withholds Abhinandan's Possessions Except for His Ring, Watch, Specs
A report on India Today stated that IAF wing Commander Abhinanandan Varthaman returned home from Pakistan without the possessions that he had on himself when he landed in PoK except for his ring, watch and spectacles.
Upon ejecting from his crashed MiG 21 Bison, IAF wing Commander Abhinanandan Varthaman had his pistol, a survival kit, maps and some confidential documents that he managed to destroy.
The report also said that the “taking over certificate” referred to Abhinandan Varthaman as a prisoner of war, whereas India hasn’t referred to him as a prisoner of war.