PM leads nation in welcoming Abhinandan back

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders welcomed Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s safe return on Friday night.

“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,” Modi tweeted.



BJP president Amit Shah said the entire nation was proud of Abhinandan’s courage and valour. “Dear Wing Commander Abhinandan, India is glad to have you back. May you continue to serve the nation and IAF with unparalleled passion and dedication,” he tweeted.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley tweeted, “India’s happiness on return of Wing Commander Abhinandan is unprecedented. I salute the courage and resilience of Wing Commander Abhinandan.”

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi tweeted his welcome within eight minutes of him crossing the Wagah border. “Wing Commander Abhinandan, your dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love,” he said.


Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted, “Proud of you Wing Commander AbhinandanVarthaman. 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.”

Highways minister Nitin Gadkari expressed relief over Varthaman’s safe return. “It is a matter of relief. I wish him well so that Abhinandan will inspire the youth with his bravery and services for Ma Bharati,” he said.

Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted, “Proud of your courage Wing Commander Abhinandan! Welcome back home. Abhinandan to you.” Ram Vilas Paswan said, “Nation is proud of its brave Wing Commander Abhinandan, we welcome him heartily on his homecoming.”