No deal was negotiated to get Abhinandan back: Government sources to WION

India did not negotiate any deal to bring back its Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman and Pakistan on its accord announced that it will return him back, Government sources told WION.

Pakistan on Wednesday launched strikes against Indian military installations. About 20 Pakistani Air Force aircraft launched the attack at 9.45 am, out of which Indian Airforce downed one of PAF's F16 using its MiG 21. In the aerial combat, Abhinandan's aircraft was shot and he was captured.

India was firm that there will not be any repetition of Kandahar of 1999 in which an entire nation was "held ransom". New Delhi was clear from the start, Pakistan has to send back its Air Force personnel immediately and treat him in a humane manner. India also did not demand any consular access.

The Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday, just a day after his capture announced in the Parliament that he will be released.

He arrived in India on Friday and was taken from Amritsar to Delhi's Army hospital where he underwent a full body check-up. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa both met Abhinandan.

The Defence Ministry in a statement said, "Raksha Mantri met Wing Commander Abhinandan at RR hospital, interacted and enquired about his health. The officer was in high spirit and was happy to meet RM".

Wing Commander's family was also present when the Defence minister was present.

The Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi in the Pakistani Parliament on Friday had said Abhinandan will be released in the afternoon, but this was delayed by the Pakistani side and he finally came to India at 9.21 PM on Friday via the Wagah border.