
New Delhi, March 1: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman landed at Palam airport past midnight after he was flown from Amritsar and has been taken for a medical check-up.
Abhinandan, who was released by Pak's armed forces from its custody, was welcomed by cheering people on the Indian side of Attari-Wagah border crossing past 9 pm IST.
The pilot was taken to Amritsar and flown to Delhi.
Soon after he set his foot on the Indian soil, Abhinandan told an Indian security official, "It is good to be back in my country."
Abhinandan would undergo physiological and physical check-up among other things, in the presence of military and intelligence officials, later today.
India had scored a massive diplomatic victory over Pakistan yesterday as it was compelled to release Abhinandan, who was taken into custody by Pakistan army, after his parachute drifted into PoK area.
Abhinandan had ejected from Mig 21 which he was flying after he had brought down a Pakistani F-16 in an aerial dog fight on February 28.
India also had given ultimatum by sending a dossier to Imran Khan's government demanding 'safe and immediate' return of Abhinandan.
Earlier, expressing happiness over Abhinandan's homecoming, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh called top class his terse replies to Pakistani military official's questions in custody.
The United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres welcomed the return of Indian pilot.
The parents of Abhinandan last night were given a standing ovation when they de-boarded a Chennai-New Delhi flight.
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