The Foreign Office on Tuesday categorically rejected "baseless” Indian claims that a Pakistani F-16 aircraft was shot down by an Indian pilot before he was captured by Pakistan in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in February 2019.
“The citation of the award to the downed Indian pilot is a classic case of Indian fabrications and pure fantasy to appease domestic audience and hide the embarrassment,” the Foreign Office said.
Indian air force wing commander, now group captain, Abhinanda Varthaman was presented the highest Indian wartime military bravery award, the Vir Chakra, by Indian president Ram Nath Kovind on Monday for “shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft during aerial combat.”
The international experts and US officials had already confirmed that no Pakistani F-16 was shot down on the day, after taking stock of the country's F-16 aircraft.
“India’s insistence on propagating a lie that has been thoroughly exposed is ludicrous and nonsensical,” it said, adding granting military honours for imaginary feats of gallantry is contrary to every norm of military conduct.
“By giving such award, also as an after thought, India has only made a mockery of itself,” it said.
In a daring day light action, two Indian aircraft were shot down by Pakistan Air Force on February 27, 2019. One of the Indian Mig-21 Bison aircraft fell down in AJK.
The officials captured the pilot and later released him as a goodwill gesture. His return to India was a testimony of Pakistan’s desire for peace despite India’s hostility and ill-conceived aggressive action. Another Indian aircraft SU 30 shot down by Pakistan Air Force fell on the other side of the line of control.
On the same day, Indian military shot down its own MI 17 helicopter in panic near Srinagar. The neighbouring country initially denied the fact but later it accepted. Indian Air Force was completely outplayed on the day.
“It is obvious that India’s farcical story has no credibility whatsoever before the international community,” said the FO, adding Pakistan stood as ready and resolute to thwart any hostile designs as it was in February 2019.
“India would do well to learn a lesson from its botched attempt to violate Pakistan’s sovereignty and refrain from any misadventure in future.,” the FO said.
