LIVE | IAF pilot Abhinandan undergoes medical tests; to be debriefed soon

Live updates as Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman returns home. A special plane will fly him from Amritsar to Delhi, sources said

It's good to be back: Wg Cdr Abhinandan

JUST IN: "It is good to be back in my country," was the first reaction of IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as he set foot on Indian soil. This was stated by an official quoting Varthaman after he received the pilot at the Attari-Wagah border soon after his release by Pakistan, News18 reported.

Varthaman will undergo debriefing on Saturday, which will include his physiological as well as a physical check-up in the presence of officials from the military and Intelligence agencies.
IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is at the central medical establishment, he spent the night there, underwent a medical test, met his family briefly. The debrief will follow. (News18)
France has extended its complete solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms, as it welcomed the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan and the release the IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. (PTI)
IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman will be taken for a detailed medical checkup. The officer has had to eject from a plane which would have put his body under immense strain, said a News18 report quoting Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor, assistant chief of Air Staff.
Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as he is released by Pakistan authorities at Wagah border on the Pakistani side on March 1.

(Image: PTI)
Pakistan's PM Imran Khan was in Lahore to ensure 'smooth' handing over of Abhinandan Varthaman: Sources

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was present in Lahore to oversee the 'smooth' handing over captured Indian Air Force pilot to India at the Wagah border on Friday, said a PTI report quoting official sources.
Khan arrived in Lahore on Friday afternoon, a couple of hours before IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was brought to the Wagah border from Islamabad, amid high security.
Indian pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan, stands under armed escort near Pakistan-India border in Wagah, Pakistan in this March 1, 2019 image from a video footage. (Courtesy: Reuters)
JUST IN: China welcomes release of Indian pilot Wg Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.
BREAKING: Wg Cdr Abhinandan landed at Palam airport 15-20 minutes ago, was flown in from Amritsar on special BSF plane.
BREAKING: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has landed in New Delhi, will be taken for a medical check-up.
JUST IN: Wing Commander Abhinandan has reached Amritsar base camp. Possibly reunited with his family, multiple news reports suggest.

News reports suggest he will be debriefed in New Delhi tomorrow.
JUST IN: Chiefs of Indian Navy & Indian Air Force to get the highest Z-plus security cover in view of their heightened threat perception post-airstrikes on Jaish camp deep inside Pakistan.
Stalwarts of Indian cricket salute the hero and welcome Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman

Anil Kumble said, "We salute your bravery Welcome Home Abhinandan."

Gautam Gambhir said, "I must say I was nervous before he returned. I am glad India got its son back!!!"

Virender Sehwag said, "How proud we are to have you ! Bow down to your skills and even more your grit and courage. Welcome Back Abhinandan. We love you and are filled with pride because of you."

Sachin Tendulkar said, "A hero is more than just four letters. Through his courage, selflessness and perseverance, OUR HERO teaches us to have faith in ourselves."
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "‘Abhinandan’ Bharat ! Our Abhinandan is back with us!"
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav said, "Proud of you Wing Commander Abhinandan! Unitedly India Salutes you."
Odisha chief ministers Naveen Patnaik has said, "Welcome brave heart Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman back to India; you have made a nation proud with your valour".
MoS External Affairs Vijay Kumar Singh tweeted: Welcome back soldier. You have made us all very proud. I salute your valor, courage, conviction, calmness and selflessness.
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal welcomed the IAF pilot saying, "The hero finally walks back. A grateful nation salutes Wing Commander Abhinandan. You are an inspiration for all of us."
Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman welcomed Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman saying, "Proud of you Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. The entire nation appreciates your valour and grit. You held your calm in the face of adversity. You are an inspiration to our youth. Salute. Vande Mataram."
JUST IN | Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs told ANI: Welcome the easing of tensions b/w India and Pakistan and the release of the IAF pilot. I hail the two governments’ choice of restraint and responsibility and urge them to resume bilateral dialogue.