'After Abhinandan, BSF Jawan Were Captured, Congress Thought I Would Be Trapped': PM Modi
PM Modi slammed Congress in Lok Sabha, citing captures of Wing Commander Abhinandan and a BSF jawan by Pakistan
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.
Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, '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. But even here, there were some people whispering, 'Now… pic.twitter.com/FyFqnyD98M — IANS (@ians_india) July 29, 2025
'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."
PM Modi also recalled the time when Indian soldiers showed valour during the Doklam standoff. 'Congress leaders were secretly giving briefings to whom? The whole world knows that. Just compare all the statements from Pakistan with the statements made by those here who oppose us, they match from full stop to comma," he added.
He accused Congress of not fully honouring the sacrifices made during the Kargil conflict. 'The entire nation knows very well that during Kargil and even till today, Congress has never truly embraced Kargil Vijay Diwas," he said.
view comments
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
10 minutes ago
- India.com
Why Is Asim Munir Visiting U.S. Again? Inside Pakistan's Top General's Washington Diplomacy
New Delhi: Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is heading to the United States once again this week. His visit comes barely two months after his last trip to Washington. He is expected to attend the U.S. Central Command's change-of-command ceremony. But the real story may not be the ceremony itself. It is the timing and the conversations already in motion. In June, Munir had lunch with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting lasted two hours. No civilian leader from Pakistan was present. It was a first. Never before had a Pakistani military chief been hosted in the Oval Office on his own. According to insiders, their discussion touched on trade, economic ties and the future of cryptocurrency. In his signature style, Trump did not hold back praise. He said, 'The reason I had him here was I wanted to thank him for not going into the war and ending it…' The remark referred to the May conflict between India and Pakistan, four days of cross-border drone and missile exchanges that stopped just short of full-scale war. India later said it acted alone. But Trump claimed credit for helping stop it. Munir seemed to agree. In his own words, he said Trump deserved a Nobel Prize for 'averting nuclear war' between the two nations. The backdrop to that crisis was Operation Sindoor. India launched the operation in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. According to Indian officials, nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were targeted and more than 100 militants were killed in the offensive. Trump's role in managing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad has stirred debate. India has insisted that the eventual ceasefire came after direct talks between the two countries' Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO). No foreign mediation, New Delhi said, was involved. Still, Trump has not stepped back from the narrative. In fact, he has doubled down. Alongside security talks, he also unveiled a trade agreement with Islamabad. The deal opens access for U.S. companies to Pakistan's oil reserves. But the fine print carries a twist. Trump signed an executive order imposing a 19% tariff on Pakistani exports, lower than the previous 29% rate, but still steep. The trade talks have been branded as a package of both relief and pressure. Munir's return to Washington now comes in that context. A second visit in two months signals something crucial: sustained military diplomacy, with political overtones. Whether the visit brings new deals, more pressure or another round of handshakes remains to be seen. But for now, Pakistan's most powerful man is going back to the United States, and the conversations are far from over.
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Janmashtami to be celebrated at every police station: Yogi
1 2 Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said Janmashtami would be celebrated at every police station and police training institute in the state on Aug 16. "The occasion would provide trainees with an opportunity to showcase their cultural and artistic talents, making the festival a symbol of cultural unity," Yogi made this announcement during his visit to Moradabad where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 87 development projects worth Rs 1,172 crore. Accusing the Samajwadi Party of having tried to restrict Janmashtami celebrations when it was in power, Yogi said his govt would ensure grand celebrations across the state. Referring to the result of the Kundarki bypoll held in Nov 2024, where BJP trumped the SP candidate in a Muslim majority area, the CM called it Moradabad's rejection of SP's and Congress' divisive politics. "The public chose satisfaction over appeasement, leading to the forfeiture of SP-Congress deposits," he said. Highlighting the global recognition which Moradabad's handicraft are getting, the CM said "It was the commitment of BJP's double-engine government to elevate the city and its products on the world stage. Once known for chaos and hooliganism, Moradabad is now renowned for its excellent handicrafts and brass items under the ODOP scheme, exporting products worth Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,000 crore." He added that Moradabad's artists, including one who received a Padma award, are working tirelessly to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Most Luxurious Hotels in the World Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola The CM urged people to gift Swadeshi or locally made products to friends and families during festivals to promote local talent and encourage local economies. The CM also linked Raksha Bandhan and the Kakori Train Action anniversary, which are falling on the same day this year. He paid tributes to revolutionaries like Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Thakur Roshan Singh, Rajendra Prasad Lahiri and Chandrashekhar Azad, who sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom.
India Today
32 minutes ago
- India Today
Trump imposes extra 25% tariffs on India, New Delhi calls it unfair, unjustified
In this episode of World Today, the focus is on escalating trade tensions between the United States and India after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on India, bringing the total to 50%. New Delhi issued a strong response, with the Indian government calling the US action 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,' and stating it will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests. The discussion explores the reasons for the breakdown in trade negotiations, including US demands for market access for agriculture and dairy products, which are considered red lines for India. The programme also delves into the geopolitical implications, including the shifting US-Pakistan dynamics and whether President Trump's actions are pushing India closer to Russia and China. At the end of the show, breaking news was reported of an active shooter incident at Fort Stewart in Georgia.
