RAWALPINDI: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said a MiG 21 was shot down and its pilot is missing. Addressing a press conference, a spokesperson for the Indian MEA said, "We unfortunately lost one MiG-21 in this engagement and an Indian pilot is missing in action. Pakistan claims the pilot is in their custody, however we are ascertaining the facts." "In the aerial engagement, a Pakistan fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG-21 Bison. The aircraft was seen by ground forces falling on the Pakistan side," he added. Moments earlier, Indian media confirmed an Indian Air Force (IAF) wing commander is in Pakistan's custody. India media reports stated IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan took off in a MiG 21 Bison jet and is yet to return. Wing Commander Abhinandan is the son of a retired Indian Air Marshal, the reports added. Wing Commander Abhinandan. Photo: Indian media A video of the captured Indian pilot was released hours after the Pakistan Air Force shot down two Indian jets within the Pakistani airspace and arrested one pilots. In the video, the captured pilot can be heard saying: “My name is Wing Commander Abhinandan. My service number is 27981. I am a flying pilot. My religion is Hindu.” When asked to share more, the arrested pilot can be heard saying: “I’m sorry sir, that’s all I’m supposed to tell you.”<doc-sep>IAF Strike in Balakot, Pakistan: The pilot was in a Mig 21 that crashed after a skirmish (File) The government today said that an Indian pilot was "missing in action" after an Indian Air Force aircraft shot down a Pakistani jet targeting military installations. Later, the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon by the Ministry of External Affairs to lodge a strong protest at the "unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today". The government has also strongly objected to Pakistan's "vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force" in violation of all norms of the Geneva Convention. This was after Pakistan claimed in a statement that strikes across Line of Control are "from within Pakistani airspace." The allegations reflect the escalation of hostilities a day after the Indian fighter jets went within Pakistan and destroyed a terror training camp. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is meeting with top officials including Advisor Ajit Doval, the Defence and Foreign Secretaries and intelligence officials. A Pakistani F-16 aircraft crashed on its own territory, in the Lam Valley area along the Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri sectors. Amid increasing tension, the entire airspace north of Delhi has been vacated, official sources said, according to news agency Press Trust of India. Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, in a visit to China, said India wants to avoid any "further escalation of the situation" and will "continue to act with responsibility and restraint". The US asked Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terror groups, with the Donald Trump administration calling for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid heightened tension between the two. Here are the Updates on Indian Air Force's (IAF) strike on Jaish terror camp in Pakistan Feb 27, 2019 22:58 (IST) Security was stepped up at the sensitive Paradip Port on Wednesday following escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, officials told the news agency PTI . "We are keeping a constant vigil on the crew members of ships landing at the port here. The crew members who want to go outside the port area are being thoroughly checked," said immigration officer at the port, Manas Ranjan Das. Feb 27, 2019 22:41 (IST) Mr. Jaitley, It's BJP & its leadership who require real introspection. Entire opposition stood as one backing the armed forces & the Govt. Still, Amit Shah & entire BJP resorted to credit seeking for the sacrifice of our martyrs & indulged in blaming the Congress provocatively https://t.co/BlOLgX1gwE - Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 27, 2019 Feb 27, 2019 22:26 (IST) IAF air strike Pakistan: European Union Warns Over India-Pak Tension The European Union has said that the rising tension between India and Pakistan has the potential to lead to "dangerous consequences" for the two countries and the wider region and called for utmost restraint. European Union Commission Vice President Federica Mogherini said in a statement, "Following the recent terrorist attack in Pulwama, tensions along the ''Line of Control'' between India and Pakistan have escalated militarily during the last days. This has the potential to lead to serious and dangerous consequences for the two countries and the wider region." Feb 27, 2019 22:20 (IST) IAF Air Strike Balakot: "Let The Country Speak In One Voice": Arun Jaitley To Opposition "The Cross Border terror attack in Pulwama was a reality. The Balakot Operation was India's Anti- Terror preemptive strike to defend its Sovereignty. The whole nation has spoken in one voice. Why, then is India's opposition alleging that the Government is politicising our Anti-Terror Operations. My appeal to India's opposition - "Let the country speak in one voice". Please introspect - 'Your ill advised statement is being used by Pakistan to bolster its case'," Arun Jaitley in a series of tweets. Feb 27, 2019 22:15 (IST) Due to the closure of Pakistani airspace by its government, Air Canada has temporarily suspended service to India. One flight en route to Delhi today has turned back over the Atlantic Ocean and is returning to Toronto, while a second flight from Vancouver to Delhi today has been cancelled. Feb 27, 2019 21:33 (IST) We have not yet received any instructions from the authorities about any change to the current running of the Samjhauta Express, we will follow whatever directions are received in this regard: Railway Minister Piyush Goyal quotes as saying by news agency ANI Feb 27, 2019 21:09 (IST) I hope saner counsels will prevail between leadership of India, Pakistan: Ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh Feb 27, 2019 20:11 (IST) Air Strike in Pakistan: Sri Lanka Releases Statement "As a country that has suffered from the scourge of terrorism for nearly three decades, Sri Lanka has unequivocally condemned this terrorist attack in Pulwama and stands firmly by the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Sri Lanka strongly supports peace and stability in the South Asia region and all endeavours towards the diffusion of tensions, including the resolution of bilateral problems through dialogue and building confidence": Sri Lanka Feb 27, 2019 20:04 (IST) Army personnel deployed at sensitive locations in Mumbai along with local police in view of increased tensions on the India-Pakistan border: Sources told news agency PTI Feb 27, 2019 19:32 (IST) IAF Air Strike: HD Kumaraswamy Says Nation Stands In Solidarity With Armed Forces Deeply pained to hear that one of our #IAF pilots is missing. I pray for his safe and speedy return. The nation stands in solidarity with our armed forces.#IndianAirForce - H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) February 27, 2019 Feb 27, 2019 19:30 (IST) UK is deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan and urgently calls for restraint on both sides to avoid further escalation. We're in regular contact with both countries, urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability: UK Prime Minister Theresa May Feb 27, 2019 19:09 (IST) PM Modi Chairs High Level Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired a high level meeting in Delhi. He has met the three services chiefs, along with National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. Feb 27, 2019 19:04 (IST) In the air strike, neither the Pakistani civilians were hurt nor the Pakistan Army was targeted. Our Air Force soldiers carried out the strike with caution. Despite this, Pakistan has been trying to defame India: Home Minister Rajnath Singh quoted as saying by PTI Feb 27, 2019 18:59 (IST) Here is the Ministry Of External Affairs Statement "The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon by MEA to lodge a strong protest at the unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today, including by violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force and targeting of Indian military posts. 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. 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 was clearly conveyed that India reserves the right to take firm and decisive action to protect its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any act of aggression or cross-border terrorism. India also 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. 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. Regret was expressed at continuing denial by Pakistan's political and and military leadership at the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control. A dossier was handed over to Pakistan side with specific details of JeM complicity in Pulwama terror attack and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan. It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control." 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. 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 was clearly conveyed that India reserves the right to take firm and decisive action to protect its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any act of aggression or cross-border terrorism.India also 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. 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.Regret was expressed at continuing denial by Pakistan's political and and military leadership at the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control. A dossier was handed over to Pakistan side with specific details of JeM complicity in Pulwama terror attack and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan. It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control." Feb 27, 2019 18:49 (IST) IAF Strikes in Pakistan: India Confirms Air Force Pilot Is In Pakistan Custody India has confirmed that an Air Force pilot is in Pakistan's custody. "India also 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. 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," a Ministry of External Affairs statement said. Feb 27, 2019 18:45 (IST) Pakistan's chief military spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor has said that the Pakistani army currently had only one downed Indian pilot in custody, having previously said two pilots had been captured, one of whom was wounded. "There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army's custody," Major General Asif Ghafoor said. Feb 27, 2019 18:25 (IST) IAF Air Strike Pakistan: Russia Issues Statement "We express our serious concern about the aggravation of the situation along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan and the outbreak of tensions between friendly states. We call on both sides to show restraint and step up efforts to resolve existing problems by political and diplomatic means": Russia Feb 27, 2019 17:46 (IST) "National Security Must Transcend Narrow Politics," Says Opposition Feb 27, 2019 17:40 (IST) IAF Air Strike in Pakistan: As Pakistan claimed it had an Indian pilot in custody following an aerial encounter with the Indian Air Force over the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir today, there were calls to treat him humanely and in accordance to the Geneva Conventions. IAF Air Strike in Pakistan: As Pakistan claimed it had an Indian pilot in custody following an aerial encounter with the Indian Air Force over the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir today, there were calls to treat him humanely and in accordance to the Geneva Conventions. Read here Feb 27, 2019 17:37 (IST) IAF Air Strike: Opposition Alleges "Politicization Of Sacrifices" "The meeting of 21 parties expressed their deep anguish over the blatant politicization of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces by leaders of the ruling party. National security must transcend narrow political considerations": Congress president Rahul Gandhi read out a joint statement . Feb 27, 2019 17:29 (IST) Congress president Rahul Gandhi wishes for the return of the missing Indian Air Force pilot. 🇮🇳 I'm sorry to hear that one of our brave IAF pilots is missing. I hope he will return home soon, unharmed. We stand by our armed forces in these difficult times. 🇮🇳 - Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 27, 2019 Feb 27, 2019 17:13 (IST) India has summoned Pakistan deputy envoy. Feb 27, 2019 17:13 (IST) 21 Parties Issue Joint Statement, Express Solidarity With Armed Forces<doc-sep>
Indian Air Force (IAF) crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and two of their aircraft were shot down by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) inside the Pakistani airspace. — Geo News screengrab ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down two Indian aircraft inside Pakistani airspace on Wednesday and arrested an Indian pilot on ground. Pakistani military spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor said Indian Air Force (IAF) crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and two of their aircraft were shot down by PAF inside Pakistani airspace. "One of the aircraft fell inside AJK while other fell inside IoK," he added. Addressing a press conference later during the day, Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor said, "Two Indian jets entered Pakistani airspace and the PAF faced them. The two planes were shot down — one fell in our space and the other on their side." He said the arrested Indian pilot was in Pakistan Army custody. The DG ISPR stressed, "Pakistan's armed forces have capability, will, resolve and nation’s support. But because we are a responsible state and want peace, we decided first of all that we won’t take any military targets." "Secondly we decided that there be no loss of life or collateral damage in our engaging of targets," he added while delving into details regarding PAF shooting down the aircraft. "Our planes locked targets, then in open air we carried out strikes," he continued. "We locked all targets with accuracy, and when we had option to fire, we acted responsibly from a safe distance. We have capability to do anything, but we don’t want escalation. We don’t want to go towards war," he asserted. Refuting Indian media reports that a Pakistani F-16 jet was shot down, DG ISPR said, "Pakistan did not use F-16 in any activity today." The Pakistan military spokesperson stressed, "The state, government, armed forces and people of Pakistan have always conveyed a message of peace to India. The road to peace goes through dialogue. Both countries have the capability and capacity but war is the failure of policy which India needs to understand. We do not want to escalate and follow a path which leads to peace. The people of both countries and region at large have a right to live and live in peace. War is not the solution to problems. India should think with a cool head on this offer from Pakistan. " We don’t want to indicate any victory. There are no victors in war. I request media to report objectively, responsibly, to go towards peace. Our message is for peace, he further said. "Starting a war is easy, but where it ends, nobody knows," DG ISPR stated. Calling on the international community to play its role, DG ISPR said, “Pakistan is sending message of peace and they should also come forward and see how the environment between India and Pakistan is a threat to peace and for development not only to the two countries but the region and beyond.” Major General Ghafoor added, "Pakistan’s response is not a retaliation per se, but a demonstration of our capability, responsibility and will. It is now up to India whether they go towards peace, which is a requirement of the region. But if forced, we will respond." In response to a question, Major General Ghafoor said, "Pakistan is not pushing for war. We engaged our targets in open air, we deliberately avoided escalation. We could easily have taken the original targets, but we did not do that." Regarding the airspace being closed, the DG ISPR said, "It has been closed due to the environment." India confirms MiG 21 shot down, pilot missing The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a MiG 21 was shot down and its pilot is missing. Addressing a press conference, a spokesperson for the Indian MEA said, "We unfortunately lost one MiG-21 in this engagement and an Indian pilot is missing in action. Pakistan claims the pilot is in their custody, however we are ascertaining the facts." "In the aerial engagement, a Pakistan fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG-21 Bison. The aircraft was seen by ground forces falling on the Pakistan side," he added. Earlier, Indian media confirmed an Indian Air Force (IAF) wing commander is in Pakistan's custody. India media reports stated IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan took off in a MiG 21 Bison jet and is yet to return.