Ahead of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s return to India, BJP President Amit Shah termed it as a diplomatic victory for India.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave on Friday, 1 March, Shah said, “Creating situation for return of pilot Abhinandan in such a short span of time is our diplomatic victory,” reported news agency PTI.
For all live updates on Abhinandan’s return, click here.
He also criticised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for not condemning the Pulwama terror attack.
“The Pakistan PM should have at least criticised the Pulwama attacks, at least once. How can we expect anything from him, or trust him. Maybe the situation is not in his control. At least he could have done lip service,” he said.
Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced that Pakistan will release the captured pilot on Friday as a peace gesture. Later in a joint press briefing of the three services, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said India views the gesture “in consonance with Geneva conventions.”
Speaking at the conclave, Shah also said that the current BJP government has tackled terrorism with unprecedented success. “I believe the track record of our government has been the best in dealing with terror since Independence... Maximum number of terrorists have been eliminated under BJP government led by Modi,” he said.
He also criticised the Opposition for its stand after the Air Force conducted air strikes across the LoC. “Opposition’s resolution post air strikes gave ammunition to Pakistan,” he said.
A joint resolution passed by 21 Opposition parties on 27 February had criticised the ruling BJP for politicising the military’s sacrifices.
(With inputs from PTI)
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