Former Indian Air Force Commander: If Pakistan had not returned the captured pilot to us, we would have gone to war

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Former Indian Air Force Commander: If Pakistan had not returned the captured pilot to us, we would have gone to war

India is publishing more details about the situation around the air battle near the border with Pakistan and what preceded this battle.

The events took place in February 2019. After the terrorist attack against Indian law enforcement officers, India decided to strike at a terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot. In response to the strike on Pakistani territory, the air force of this country was involved in retaliatory operations on Indian territory. An air battle ensued, as a result of which the Indian Air Force MiG-21 was shot down, and the pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was taken prisoner in Pakistan. After a short time, the Indian pilot was released, in which the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan played an important role.



Recently, publications appeared in the press in Pakistan, which tells about the statement of Ayaz Sadik, the leader of the center-right Pakistani Muslim League, which is currently the ruling party in the country. According to Sadik, at one time the Pakistani Foreign Minister received a de facto ultimatum from India. It consisted in the following: "If Pakistan does not release the Indian pilot, then India will attack Pakistan on the same day - no later than 21:00."

Indian journalists asked former Indian Air Force Commander Marshal Birender Dhanoa to comment on the Pakistani politician's statements. According to Dhanoa, the speedy release of Abhinandan Varthaman from captivity was the most important task for all of India and for him (Dhanoa) personally. The ex-commander-in-chief noted that at one time he served with Abhinandan's father.

Dhanoa is quoted by India's IDN news outlet:

We had several levers of pressure: politico-diplomatic and military. The Pakistani authorities understood that we were determined. They knew about our capabilities. We would go to war and destroy their forward brigades at our borders.

According to Marshal Dhanoa, the Indian Air Force could not deliver such a blow that the Pakistanis would immediately release the captive pilot, but could deliver such a blow that would lead to significant damage to the Pakistani military.

For reference: the pilot was captured on February 27, 2019, and on March 1, he was handed over to the Indian side after a personal order from the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Marshal Dhanoa:

The fact that he returned so quickly is very good for his morale and for all of us. The main thing is that he returned unharmed.

Images with the transfer of Abhinandan Warthaman by the Pakistani side:

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    1. +3
      30 October 2020 07: 20
      Burn Jimmy ... wassat
      1. +2
        30 October 2020 07: 31
        If only ...
        grandfather had a motorcycle, grandfather would have been a biker ... Yes
        1. +1
          30 October 2020 08: 31
          well kaaanchno, would go ... forest to the cashier. The Chinese tiger is just waiting for this
      2. +4
        30 October 2020 07: 49
        Quote: Popuas
        Burn Jimmy ... wassat




        exactly laughing
    2. -1
      30 October 2020 07: 25
      Well, the Indians would then be fighting on two fronts, for the Chinese would instantly get involved in the war! So angry rhetoric and fighting are not the same thing !!!
      1. +3
        30 October 2020 07: 30
        Why would the Chinese die for Pakistani interests? They would supply weapons and have a good deal.
        1. +1
          30 October 2020 09: 25
          Because the Chinese have their own graters with India. To squeeze a couple of European countries on the territory (disputed with India), on the sly, and help a key ally, partner.
          1. +3
            31 October 2020 02: 17
            They are brothers separated by religion. Ordinary people understand this on both sides. When setting the guard at the border, with all the hatred, they greet each other and SHAKE THE HAND. No one will convince me that obscurantism is power.
    3. +1
      30 October 2020 07: 26
      If my grandmother had him, she would be a grandfather.
      1. -2
        30 October 2020 08: 18
        If my grandmother had him, she would be a grandfather.
        That's right, right about us. We can't expect such a thing from ours.
        "If Pakistan does not release the Indian pilot, then India will attack Pakistan on the same day - no later than 21:00."
        And they were released. Interestingly, and if they "showed concern", how?
      2. 0
        1 November 2020 03: 38
        Quote: Pessimist22
        If my grandmother had him, she would be a grandfather.

        transvestite laughing
    4. +1
      30 October 2020 08: 12
      When there is no real good news, but you really want to promote yourself, then take any old one and tell it in a new way.
    5. 0
      30 October 2020 08: 33
      Former Indian Air Force Commander: If Pakistan had not returned the captured pilot to us, we would have gone to war
      Now you can beat the drum. And nothing will change. request
    6. +15
      30 October 2020 08: 36
      If Pakistan does not release the Indian pilot, then India will attack Pakistan on the same day - no later than 21:00

      There it is ... And we all thought, why is Pakistan frightened?
    7. 0
      30 October 2020 08: 39
      In our spy films, the exchange is almost formal. Here is a man, one piece and forward across the bridge. feel
    8. +2
      30 October 2020 08: 41
      The fate of the pilot is of course important, but why have other military personnel and civilians lost their value? This is how world wars begin
      1. +1
        30 October 2020 09: 34
        Unfortunately, it's very easy to start a war, difficult to stop ...
      2. +1
        1 November 2020 03: 40
        Quote: APASUS
        The fate of the pilot is of course important, but why have other military personnel and civilians lost their value? This is how world wars begin

        With all due respect, the pilot is still not an archduke and heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
    9. +1
      30 October 2020 08: 42
      It's all blah blah blah ... what would happen if ... and a lot of brave statements how bold we are ...
    10. +2
      30 October 2020 09: 27
      Former Indian Air Force Commander: If Pakistan had not returned the captured pilot to us, we would have gone to war


      Now everyone is brave and brave ...
    11. +1
      30 October 2020 09: 58
      We had several levers of pressure: politico-diplomatic and military.
      A military man worked, which is confirmed by Pakistan, an alleged ultimatum by the Indian side. But most likely the ultimatum did not frighten, and the pilot was released as a gesture of goodwill, so as not to aggravate the situation. Obviously the time for a big batch has not come yet.
    12. 0
      30 October 2020 14: 42
      Would have gone, and would have lost a lot of people. Did Pakistan basically refuse to give it up? Have you tried negotiations before starting the war?
    13. 0
      30 October 2020 15: 16
      If the Indians had immediately threatened, then I would have understood .. And so how much time has passed and the show-off began
      Oh, Hindus, you will run into someday, for your carelessness in the purchase of weapons, etc.
    14. 0
      31 October 2020 18: 08
      Favorite business groundless threats when the conflict is over negative

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