'After Abhinandan, BSF Jawan Were Captured, Congress Thought I Would Be Trapped': PM Modi

Last Updated:July 29, 2025, 19:39 IST

PM Modi slammed Congress in Lok Sabha, citing captures of Wing Commander Abhinandan and a BSF jawan by Pakistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a debate in the Lok Sabha on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, while taking a dig at the Congress party during his address in the Lok Sabha, referred to two high-profile incidents: the capture of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in 2019 and the recent capture of a BSF jawan by Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

PM Modi made these remarks while replying to the two-day debate on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor in the Lower House.

“When pilot Abhinandan was captured, it was natural for there to be an atmosphere of celebration in Pakistan, after all, they had a pilot from the Indian Air Force in their custody," PM said.

“But even here, there were some people whispering, ‘Now Modi is trapped. Let’s see if Modi can bring Abhinandan back. Let’s see what Modi does now’. But let me say it loud and clear, Abhinandan returned with pride and dignity," he added.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman became a national hero after he shot down a Pakistani F-16 during an aerial clash in February 2019. His aircraft was also hit, and he was captured after landing in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. He was later released and returned to India safely. For his bravery, he was awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award.

Additionally, he also referred to the recent capture of a BSF jawan by Pakistan during the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Modi said, “They thought they (Congress) had found a big issue — that now Modi would be trapped… But that BSF jawan also returned with pride and honour."

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