India condemns “vulgar display” of IAF pilot by Pakistan, demands his immediate return

India on Wednesday condemned Pakistan’s action of circulating the video of captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, further demanding that he be returned to India immediately.

The strong message was conveyed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to Pakistan’s deputy, and acting, High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah.

“India strongly objected to Pakistan’s vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention,” the MEA said in a statement, soon after the meeting between Pakistan’s deputy envoy and the MEA concluded in the evening.

In the 46-second video released by the Pakistan Army, a blindfolded man claims that he's IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan. "I am an IAF officer. My service No is 27981," the Indian pilot can be heard saying in the video.

The MEA warned Pakistan that no harm must come to the IAF pilot. “It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return,” the MEA said.

During the call with Shah, the MEA also took strong objection to the “unprovoked act of aggression” by Pakistani Air Force, including violation of the Indian air space by Pakistani jets in the morning.

“This is in contrast to the India’s non-military anti-terror pre-emptive strike at a JeM terrorist camp in Balakot on 26 February 2019,” the MEA said.

“It is unfortunate that instead of fulfilling its international obligation and bilateral commitment to take credible action against terrorist entities and individuals operating from its soil, Pakistan has acted with aggression against India,” it added.