History of Abhinandan Varthaman in Timeline

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, an Indian Air Force pilot, gained recognition when he engaged Pakistani Air Force jets during a 2019 aerial conflict. While piloting a MiG-21 Bison, he was shot down and subsequently captured by Pakistani authorities. His capture and subsequent repatriation became a significant event in the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. For his actions during the engagement, he was awarded the Vir Chakra, a prestigious Indian military honor.

June 1983: Birth of Abhinandan Varthaman

Abhinandan Varthaman was born on 21 June 1983. He comes from a Tamil Jain family and his birth took place in a village near Kanchipuram. His family background is deeply rooted in the Indian Air Force, with his father being a retired Air Marshal and his wife a retired Squadron Leader. His mother is a doctor.

June 2004: Commissioning into Indian Air Force

Abhinandan Varthaman graduated and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a flying officer on 19 June 2004. This marked the beginning of his career in the fighter stream, setting the stage for his future roles and achievements in the IAF.

June 2006: Promotion to Flight Lieutenant

On 19 June 2006, Abhinandan Varthaman was promoted to the rank of flight lieutenant in the Indian Air Force. This promotion recognized his progress and capabilities within the military structure.

July 2010: Promotion to Squadron Leader

Abhinandan Varthaman was promoted to squadron leader on 8 July 2010, further advancing his military career and taking on greater responsibilities within the Indian Air Force.

June 2017: Promotion to Wing Commander

On 19 June 2017, Abhinandan Varthaman achieved the rank of wing commander. This promotion marked another significant milestone in his military career, reflecting his leadership and dedication.

February 2019: Air Skirmish and Capture

On 27 February 2019, Abhinandan Varthaman flew a MiG-21 Bison to intercept Pakistani jets conducting airstrikes in Jammu and Kashmir. During the dogfight, he crossed into Pakistani airspace and was shot down, leading to his capture by Pakistan. This event marked a significant military engagement between India and Pakistan.

February 2019: Decision to Release Abhinandan Varthaman

On 28 February 2019, Pakistan announced the release of Abhinandan Varthaman as a peace gesture, following heightened tensions between the two nations. International pressure and potential military escalation influenced this decision, marking a step towards de-escalation.

March 2019: Abhinandan's Moustache Becomes Iconic in Advertising

In March 2019, Abhinandan Varthaman's distinctive moustache became a cultural icon and was used in various advertisements. Companies like Amul and Pizza Hut incorporated his moustache into their marketing campaigns, with Amul's video receiving over 170,000 views in 24 hours. These advertisements highlighted the impact of his image on popular culture.

March 2019: Controversy Over F-16 Usage

In March 2019, controversy arose over the use of F-16 jets by Pakistan during the February skirmish. India claimed an F-16 was downed by Abhinandan, while reports later indicated all Pakistani F-16s were accounted for. This incident fueled debates on military conduct and international agreements.

March 2019: Repatriation and Aftermath

On 1 March 2019, Abhinandan Varthaman was repatriated to India after being held captive by Pakistan. His return was celebrated in India, and he was examined for injuries but reported no significant harm. The incident drew international attention and highlighted tensions between India and Pakistan.

April 2019: Further Investigations on F-16 Count

In April 2019, a report by a U.S. magazine stated that an audit found no missing Pakistani F-16s, contradicting earlier Indian claims. This added a layer to the ongoing controversy regarding the events of February 2019. The U.S. government distanced itself from the report, citing policy on non-disclosure of defense agreements.

April 2019: Awarding of Bhagwan Mahavir Ahimsa Puraskar

On 17 April 2019, Abhinandan Varthaman was awarded the Bhagwan Mahavir Ahimsa Puraskar, recognizing his conduct and valor during the February 2019 skirmish. This honor reflects the esteem in which he is held for his actions.

2019: Viral Video of Abhinandan's Tea Comment

In 2019, following his capture by Pakistani forces, a video of Abhinandan Varthaman went viral where he was seen being interrogated while drinking tea. His calm demeanor and comment, 'The tea is fantastic,' became a meme in the Pakistani online community, showcasing his composure and the humane treatment he received from the Pakistani military.

October 2020: Claims on Release of Abhinandan Varthaman

In October 2020, Pakistani opposition leader Ayaz Sadiq claimed that the release of Abhinandan Varthaman was prompted by fears of an Indian attack. His statement sparked controversy and backlash within Pakistan, raising questions about the circumstances of Varthaman's release.

November 2021: Promotion to Group Captain

Abhinandan Varthaman was promoted to group captain in November 2021, highlighting his continued excellence and advancement within the Indian Air Force hierarchy.