'Some within India are terming Imran a statesman for sending back our pilot'
'Employment of dedicated lightweight special forces aircraft may provide the answer for repeat anti-terror air strikes with surprise elements intact, the cost benefit assured and attrition minimal,' says Group Captain Murli Menon (retd), India's former air adviser in Pakistan.
'They will keep him there for quite some time.' 'There are no easy options.' 'It won't be unusual for a foreign power to intervene and get him released after some time, but not immediately.'
Saurav Chordia's morale patches celebrate bravery and glorify events that are significant for different IAF units or squadrons.
As we wave goodbye to 2019, we look back at the highlights of the year, in the numbers that made it memorable.
IAF officers say they are keen to serve justice quickly and make an example of those found guilty of operational lapses.
Patriotic fervour prevailed at the border with border residents singing songs, beating drums and carrying the tricolour in their hands.
I witnessed Abhinandan Varthaman shooting Pakistan's F-16, says Yudh Seva medal awardee Minty Agarwal
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, on Thursday lambasted Pakistan for peddling a false narrative on New Delhi and said there are no "takers for your malware here".
At present, Pakistan has some edge with its fleet of F-16 jets with AMRAAM missile fitted with them, said an official.
'Chest-thumping on-air theatrics on television are no consolation for families who've been forced to embrace the price of war,' notes Nikita Puri.
Here is how the two countries stack up militarily, according to a report in AlJazeera.com.
Shah also said that the return of pilot Abhinandan was a diplomatic victory.
Gandhi said, "I am saying in 10 days, but I assure you it will do done within two days."
'Wing Commander Abhinandan would not have even worried if he was going to cross the LoC or not because he was not going to let go of a shot.'
'The affection and love and blessings of the audience is all that matters.' 'That is most important for me, nothing else.'
The IAF 'evidence' shows that the S-2000 laser-guided munition hit the intended targets causing significant 'internal damage', sources said.
A US count of Pakistan's F-16 fleet has found that all the jets are present and accounted for, a report claims.
The year is coming to an end and overall, it's been one hell of a year! We have had our share of ups and downs and we look forward to a better 2020. While we count down the days to the new year, let's also reflect on those who gave us strength to stand up in what we believe, the courageous who didn't bow down and the ones with gumption who inspired us to be better. We, Rediff.com, have selected 26 personalities, who we think are worthy of the title -- HERO OF THE YEAR -- and we want you, dear readers, to choose your hero!
"China has been promoting peace and stability in this region. We hope that Pakistan and India will maintain friendly relations," he told a media briefing in Beijing.
The Indian Air Force on Monday reiterated that it shot down an F-16 jet of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat and showed radar images of the engagement to assert that it has 'irrefutable evidence' of downing the enemy jet.
India boycotted Pak National Day event over invitation to Hurriyat leaders.
Since the Pulwama terror attack the international community has stood by India, the MEA spokesperson said.
"This is not the appropriate time to be going ahead with political programmes., However, what really shocked us was as at this point in time when the nation is looking towards its leadership, when the nation wants its leadership to speak to it, the prime minister chooses to address the booth workers of the BJP rather than address the nation," said the Congress.
India's doctrinal policy shift in combating terror by carrying out the Balakot air strikes inside Pakistan, appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff and hastening work on military modernisation marked a new beginning in 2019 in dealing with complex security challenges.
'Prior to Pulwama, the BJP appeared to be on the defensive, uncertain of its stop-and-go development programmes, fearful of growing discontent among agriculturists and unemployed youth, and nervous of gathering steam among Opposition parties across regional and caste alliances,' says Sunil Sethi.
Since Balakot strike, India is trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan on the issue of terrorism, sources said.
"We don't take chances with the medical fitness of a pilot," he said at a press conference.
"The country has suffered a lot due to selfish interests earlier and now politics over Rafale," he said.
The prime minister pointed out that such infamous incidents occurred during the Congress rule.
Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja was tortured and killed after his MiG-21 was shot down and he ejected across the Line of Control during the Kargil War.
'Having been an air warrior myself for three decades, I am sure the IAF has all the info in place to be divulged at the right time,' says Group Captain Murli Menon (retd).
'A good opportunity has thus been provided for both countries to back away from the brink without loss of dignity.' 'There is every reason why they should strain every nerve, and grab every chance, shedding all thought of belligerence and showing who's the boss, to establish, maintain and preserve all it takes to lift themselves by their bootstraps,' says B S Raghavan, the distinguished civil servant.
The IAF received a total of 13 awards including five Yudh Seva Medals and seven Vayu Sena Medal.
He said the Pakistan Air Force was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly.
Disciplinary action is being taken against two officers in the shooting down of the chopper.
'Imran cannot escape responsibility for providing a mask to the Pakistan army to engage in unlawful activities and to wage aggression after India retaliated to the terrorist attack,' says Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.
The statements made by the opposition parties after the preemptive air strike on terror camps have made only people of Pakistan happy, he claimed.
'I will need a few more pictures, sir, can I get some time from you for a more extended photo shoot?' asked Singh. Modi, ever-obliging before the camera, laughed. 'Sure, but let us plan to do it after my swearing-in is over in May!' The Balakot effect was evident. A fascinating excerpt from Rajdeep Sardesai's 2019: How Modi Won India.
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