IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman declared fit, to resume flying soon

"There is some paperwork that needs to be done before Wing Commander Abhinandan can start flying...," a senior IAF official said after the Wing Commander was declared fit to fly.

"...Also, he has to do a short refresher course since he has away from flying for a few months. We expect him to start flying after a fortnight," the official added.

Meanwhile, the IAF has also recommended Abhinandan for Vir Chakra - the third highest gallantry award in the military during times of war.

The government is expected to officially announce the gallantry award for the Wing Commander on August 15.

Abhinandan, who was earlier posted at Srinagar, was transferred from the Kashmir Valley in April to Rajasthan frontline airbase due to security threat.

Retaliating to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes on the terror outfit's training camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26.

On 27 February, however, the Pakistan Air Force intruded the Indian airspace to target military installations in the country.

Abhinandan was part of the air force that chased Pakistani jets away, foiling their attempt.

Abhinandan was captured by the Pakistan Army after his MiG-21 Bison jet was shot down in a dogfight.

He had, however, shot down a Pakistani F-16 jet before his aircraft was hit. He was captured by Pakistan's army when his parachute drifted towards Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Abhinandan returned to India on 1 March after remaining for nearly 60 hours in Pakistan's custody.